HRES 420119th CongressIntroduced

Supporting the designation of May 16, 2025, as "Endangered Species Day".

Introduced: May 15, 2025

Environment & Climate

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 420 is a non-binding House resolution introduced in the 119th Congress to support designating May 16, 2025, as “Endangered Species Day.” It does not create new law or funding but expresses the House’s endorsement of recognizing the day and highlighting the importance of protecting at-risk plants and wildlife. The resolution emphasizes the value of biodiversity, the global biodiversity crisis, and the ongoing role of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and other conservation efforts. It also notes the success of the ESA in preventing extinction for many listed species and highlights cultural, subsistence, and economic benefits tied to imperiled species and their habitats.

Key Points

1The resolution states that the House supports designating May 16, 2025, as Endangered Species Day.
2It underscores the intrinsic value of plants and wildlife and the broader biodiversity crisis affecting species worldwide.
3It highlights the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as a central conservation tool, noting that ESA-based protections have helped prevent the extinction of about 99% of species once designated as threatened or endangered, with examples such as bald eagles and sea turtles.
4It acknowledges that many at-risk species hold cultural and subsistence value for Tribal, Indigenous, and Native Alaskan communities, and recognizes the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in conservation.
5It points to the economic benefits of wildlife-related tourism and recreation and reiterates the ongoing importance of ESA and other conservation measures to protect threatened and endangered species.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: General public and policymakers, through increased awareness and education about endangered species and conservation.Secondary group/area affected: Conservation organizations, tribal and Indigenous communities, and wildlife-friendly industries (e.g., tourism and recreation) that engage with at-risk species and habitat protection.Additional impacts: Serves as a formal, bipartisan signaling of support for ESA and ongoing conservation efforts; may influence public dialogue, educational initiatives, and potential future funding or policy discussions related to endangered species and biodiversity.

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