Wildlife in Politics

What Does Wildlife Have To Do With Politics?

The Senate, House of Representatives and White House each play a role in making key decisions about wildlife and habitat. These decisions can range from passing and vetoing legislation, enacting bills into law, to deciding the amount of funding laws like the Endangered Species Act and individual agencies, like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, receive. Congress is also responsible for confirming Presidential nominees to key leadership positions charged with making decisions that impact wildlife. These appointments are vast and range from the very top of government agencies, like the Interior Secretary, Energy Secretary and the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, to the executive director level.

How Government Impacts Wildlife

Executive - Administration:

The executive branch, which comprises the White House and agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is responsible for the day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal laws.

Legislative - Congress:

The legislative branch, comprised of both the House and Senate, writes, debates and passes federal legislation and determines the funding levels for government agencies and the programs they administer like the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Judicial – Supreme Court:

The judicial branch determines the constitutionality of federal laws and resolves disputes based on prevailing law.

Key Roles and Departments

Environmental Protection Agency: The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for protecting people and the environment from significant health risks. The agency also sponsors and conducts research, and develops and enforces environmental regulations.

Department of Interior: The Department of the Interior is tasked with oversight of national parks, wildlife refuges, and public lands. It enforces laws like the Endangered Species Act, restores ecosystems, monitors wildlife populations, and works with Native American tribes and local communities to ensure sustainable use and conservation of natural resources. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which specifically oversees the protection of wildlife, is part of the DOI.

Department of Energy: The Department of Energy oversees energy development and production in the U.S., and is responsible for balancing energy needs against negative impacts on the environment. Through laws like the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, the DOE must ensure new energy projects do not pose significant threat to wildlife and habitat.

Department of Agriculture: The Department of Agriculture's primary responsibility is to support and regulate agriculture, forestry, and food systems in the U.S. The USDA regulates agricultural practices which, when unchecked, can lead to habitat destruction, soil degradation and pesticide use that damages ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.

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