Congress is considering legislation that will considerably weaken the Endangered Species Act.
Earth Day, Apr. 22, falls at a critical moment for our stewardship of God's creation. In the House of Representatives, the "ESA Amendments Act of 2025” (H.R. 1897) is moving toward a full House vote. Despite its name, this bill would not strengthen the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Among other things, it would weaken critical habitat protections, extend timelines for protecting species in crisis, fast-track their removal from protection and erode the science-based decision making that has made the ESA work for over 50 years. The ESA has prevented 99% of listed species from becoming extinct. It has brought back the bald eagle, the humpback whale and hundreds of other species. H.R. 1897 could change that.
Our call to care for endangered species flows from our vocation to love and serve our neighbors, which include plant and animal life and the ecosystems that sustain them and us. The ELCA social statement, Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice, reminds us: “We are to love the earth as God loves us.” Express this love by calling on our lawmakers to strengthen endangered species protections, not weaken them.
Earth Day is an opportunity to celebrate the gift of creation. This year, we must acknowledge Congress’s attempt to dismantle a law that protects it. Take action with your own message!
[Posted: 4/22/2026]
