Jeff Corwin Testifies Before Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing: “The ESA and MMPA are the last lifeline for hundreds of imperiled species.”
“America’s natural treasures belong not to a king, not to nobility, but to every American.”
Washington, D.C. – Emmy Award-winning wildlife biologist and conservationist Jeff Corwin testified before the House Natural Resources Committee yesterday, warning that Republican proposals to rewrite the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) would undo decades of conservation success and lead to more deaths of whales, dolphins, manatees, and other vulnerable marine species.
Corwin appeared as the Democratic-invited witness at a Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries legislative hearing, where Republicans unveiled seven bills—including a sweeping discussion draft led by Rep. Nick Begich (R-Alaska) that would gut the MMPA and would undermine science-based protections for whales, dolphins, manatees, and polar bears.
Excerpts from Jeff Corwin’s Testimony
“Reflecting on American exceptionalism, we often think of our constitution, our liberty, our entrepreneurial spirit, but I firmly believe that the vast natural treasures—from fish to forest—have been a consequential but often underappreciated contributor to our national prosperity and global strength.”
“America is founded on the philosophy that our shared natural treasures belong not to a king, not to nobility, but to every American—to be wisely used and cared for, then passed on to the next generation to both harvest and cherish.”
“While American nature is abundant, it is not unlimited. We have many heartbreaking examples of uniquely American species driven to extinction through negligence and overexploitation. Gone forever are the passenger pigeon, heath hen, and eastern elk.”
“Our American model of natural resource management has always been politically agnostic... It was President Nixon who created both the ESA and the MMPA—two unprecedented acts of legislation that today find themselves in trouble.”
“Because of the MMPA, the mighty elephant seal, once reduced to less than 100, is 10,000 strong. The once-endangered whales like humpbacks and blue whales have rebounded. And the sea otter... now thrives from Alaska to California.”
“Because of DDT, bald eagle populations were reduced to just 66 pairs. Today we have more than 370,000—thriving and flying in our skies.”'
“The 370 remaining North Atlantic right whales will soon be extinct if these vital programs are terminated. The ESA and MMPA are the last lifeline for hundreds of imperiled species.”
“The future of America’s wild wonders is in your hands. By supporting these consequential policies, you ensure that future Americans will inherit a vibrant and wild nation to sustainably use, enjoy, and treasure.”
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