Please take this 5 minute action to keep the Endangered Species Act (ESA) strong!

Issue: Protected species often live in critical watersheds, depending upon the health of rivers, wetlands, forests and streams. If ESA protections are rolled back, the waters that support these species could be opened up for development or pollution, directly threatening water quality. Allowing oil, gas and timber development to expand in sensitive areas will elevate risks of groundwater contamination and increasing runoff. Gutting the ESA could mean short-term profits at the cost of long term water crises.

Action Opportunity: We are calling on the Waterspirit community to provide a public comment that is not just one click away. This comment requires that you go onto the Federal Register website and submit your prepared comment directly to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of Interior; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Commerce Department.

Reminder: Each time we comment, we are participating in the shaping of policies and plans that will affect generations to come. Earth is sacred, communities are sacred and our voices are sacred tools for protection and transformation. Our words can help weave together a just and stable future.

How to Submit a Public Comment via the Federal Register:

Find the specific rule or notice that you care about and on which you plan to provide a comment. You are looking for Docket # FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034. Here is the link to Federal Register :: Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
Next, click on the green Submit a Comment button.
Formulate your comment. Remember that what you comment is public record for anyone to read. You may comment on behalf of yourself as an individual or anonymously. Here is a sample comment for you to base yours off of:

I am commenting to oppose in the strongest possible moral, spiritual, and ecological terms the proposed rescission of the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is a move that undermines both sound science and the moral covenant we hold with sacred, living Earth and water. The current definition of “harm,” which rightly includes habitat modification, reflects the best available ecological understanding. Habitat is not separate from life — it is life. I urge that you keep this definition as is. Removing habitat protections from the scope of “harm” would hollow out the ESA, rendering it a shell of its intended power and purpose. Uphold the moral and ecological integrity of this landmark act.

Please note that the deadline for submitting comments is May 19, 2025. Please reach out and let us know if you have any questions water@waterspirit.org -- we are happy to help.