Conclusion

• Author: Lawrence R. Liebesman/Rafe Petersen
• Pages: 141-141

Page 141

Chapter XVII

Conclusion

The Endangered Species Act is one of the

most important and most powerful federal

environmental statutes. e strict provi-

sions of the ESA impose important procedural

and substantive duties on both federal and private

actors to ensure both the survival and recovery

of listed species. As the Supreme Court stated in

1978 in Tennessee Valley Auth. v. Hill, the ESA is

“the most comprehensive legislation for the preser-

vation of endangered species ever enacted by any

nation.”1 at observation remains true today. is

1. 437 U.S. 153, 180, 8 ELR 20513 (1978).

second edition of the ESA Deskbook has endeav-

ored to describe the Act’s underpinnings and the

major developments since the 2003 First Edition

in this important and evolving law—a law that is

becoming even more relevant today as we face new

environmental challenges, such as climate change.

Hopefully, this Deskbook will provide practitioners

with the tools to better understand and apply this

important law that will likely continue to evolve in

the years ahead.