Legislation - The Endangered Species Act

An Act to provide for the conservation of endangered and threatened species of
fish, wildlife, and plants, and for other purposes.

Download a complete copy of the ESA or browse the individual sections below.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sec. 2. Findings, purposes, and policy.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Determination of endangered species and threatened species.
Sec. 5. Land acquisition.
Sec. 6. Cooperation with the States.
Sec. 7. Interagency cooperation.
Sec. 8. International cooperation.
Sec. 8A. Convention implementation.
Sec. 9. Prohibited acts.
Sec. 10. Exceptions.
Sec. 11. Penalties and enforcement.
Sec. 12. Endangered plants.
Sec. 13. Conforming amendments.
Sec. 14. Repealer.
Sec. 15. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 16. Effective date.
Sec. 17. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.
Sec. 18. Annual cost analysis by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

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