<[link removed]> A majority <[link removed]> of Americans worry that the government is doing too little to protect the environment. They might be surprised to learn that some government policies are making it harder to protect wildlife and fight climate change. The United States has a long history of environmental protection. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed <[link removed].> the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law, creating the world’s first national park. Three decades later, Teddy Roosevelt earned his title as the “conservation president” by establishing the U.S. Forest Service, signing the Antiquities Act, and proclaiming 18 U.S. national monuments. Later in the century, President Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency and President Reagan joined fellow world leaders in signing the Montreal Protocol. Throughout American history, common-sense environmental policies have conserved our landscapes and wildlife. As the most pressing environmental issues have changed, some of our laws on the subject have proven insufficient — and even counterproductive. Take, for example, the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Since the ESA was signed into law in 1973, it has helped <[link removed].> protect hundreds of threatened and endangered species, as well as their ecosystems. Thanks to the ESA, the iconic Bald Eagle and American Alligator have been brought back from the brink of extinction. Yet, despite these victories, as successive administrations have layered on new rules to the Endangered Species Act over the decades, it has placed a significant burden on Americans. The threat of heavy-handed enforcement of the Endangered Species Act has turned some landowners into enemies of wildlife conservation efforts. This dynamic has led private landowners to “shoot, shovel, and shut up <[link removed]> ” upon discovering an endangered species on their property — fearing aggressive government action that would jeopardize their livelihoods. Clearly, if hard-working Americans feel that it is better to kill a threatened species instead of complying with the Endangered Species Act, then a policy update is overdue. Read more from ConservAmerica Policy Advisor Quill Robinson here. <[link removed]> April Highlights <[link removed]> ConservAmerica Welcomes New Roosevelt Conservation Caucus Members <[link removed]> ConservAmerica is pleased to welcome Congressman Garret Graves <[link removed]> of Louisiana and Congressman Ryan Zinke <[link removed]> of Montana to the bicameral Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC). “Congressman Graves and Congressman Zinke each hold a depth of experience and knowledge on conservation issues,” said ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer. “They understand how to balance the needs of their constituents with America’s energy and environmental needs, and we are pleased that they will bring their expertise to the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus.” Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Happy Earth Day from ConservAmerica <[link removed]> This year we celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day, and it provides all of us a great chance to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet and the environment for future generations. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, our country’s population has grown by nearly 130 million people. Many see growth and conservation as conflicting with each other. We don’t. We see growth as a key driver of innovation, better conservation efforts, and significant improvements to our environment. Most importantly, an improved environment is good for the indomitable human spirit, and the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> ICYMI - This should be the year for permitting reform <[link removed]> In Case You Missed It, Alex Herrgott, founder and president of the Permitting Institute, writes in The Hill that he is optimistic that permitting reform will make progress this year. ConservAmerica has been working with Herrgott and his team to brief congressional staff and other stakeholders on the importance of permitting reform. Said Hergott, “to address infrastructure challenges, a multi-faceted approach is needed to modernize 65+ federal laws many of which were crafted over 40 years ago. We also need a bipartisan consensus to speed up energy projects without compromising environmental protections or stakeholder involvement.” Read More <[link removed]> Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. With your help, we can continue to provide leadership on environmental and conservation issues based on the principles of respect for free markets, property rights, and personal responsibility. Donate <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Follow us! ConservAmerica, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington DC, United States Unsubscribe <[link removed]>