John, 

Congressional Republicans voted yesterday to give more money to the wealthy, take away people’s healthcare, and increase our energy costs. And now, on July 4, if you can believe it, the current administration has put the bald eagle, our nation’s symbol, in grave danger. 

But Washington Conservation Action won’t have it. We’re speaking up for you and for them. 

This week, CBS News featured Mindy Roberts, our Puget Sound Program director, in a piece about Trump’s attempts to roll back important protections of the 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The ESA has saved hundreds of beloved species from extinction, including the bald eagle. In the mid-20th century, this majestic bird was on the brink of disappearing because of habitat destruction and the pesticide DDT, which damaged its eggs.

By 2007, because of the changes mandated by the ESA, bald eagles rebounded to such an extent that they were removed from the Endangered Species List. It’s now common to see bald eagles in our state, even in busy places like Seattle’s Lake Washington.

The bald eagles now give us hope. But there are lots of other species, like salmon and Southern Resident orca, that still need ESA protection. 

During June’s Orca Action Month, we mobilized community members to protect the Endangered Species Act from extinction. Please take 30 seconds to add your name to protect this landmark law from being gutted.

Our leaders have lost their way, forgotten their duty to help both people and nature thrive. They would turn back the clock to times when eagles were vanishing, smog choked the skies and polluted rivers caught fire. But we are not going with them.

July 4 commemorates a moment when people rose up for justice. As events progress, we’ll let you know ways to fight back. Thanks for all that you do. 

Zachary Pullin (he/him)
Tribal Citizenship: Chippewa Cree
Communications Director, Washington Conservation Action