{"id":49802,"date":"2024-10-31T16:27:45","date_gmt":"2024-10-31T16:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/licensing-2\/"},"modified":"2025-05-29T20:37:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T20:37:35","slug":"esa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/","title":{"rendered":"Endangered Species Act"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/corn-banner-2.jpg” background_blend=”darken” custom_padding=”||0px|||” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||22%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/33100_CEPEP-Logo-HC2.png” alt=”CEPEP logo in white” title_text=”33100_CEPEP-Logo-HC(2)” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-17px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”597.6px” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” border_color_top=”#F15625″ border_color_bottom=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_12″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-13px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”squiggle-left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_font_size=”22px” width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”3%||22px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_module=”23371″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Endangered Species Act<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made some recent policy changes in safeguarding endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). By implementing strict guidelines for pesticide application, the EPA ensures that the use of these chemicals minimizes risks to vulnerable wildlife and their habitats. After collaborating with conservation organizations and the public, the EPA has identified and created tools and strategies to mitigate against potential threats posed by pesticides to federally protected species.<\/p>\n

The goal of this page is to guide anyone who works with pesticides on a large scale to the resources they need to follow the language of the label to reduce harm to protected species.<\/p>\n

\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Agricultural, Trees & Shrubs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” width=”100%” custom_padding=”||||true|true” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”4%|2%|4%|2%|true|true” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”ESA Overview” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#overview” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#overview” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”4%|2%|4%|2%|true|true” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Mitigation Measures” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#mitigation” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#mitigation” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”4%|2%|4%|2%|true|true” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Bulletins Live! Two” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#btl” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#btl” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”4%|2%|4%|2%|true|true” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Q&A: Pesticides and the ESA” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#qa” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/cepep\/esa\/#qa” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”4%|2%|4%|2%|true|true” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”ESA Overview” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/ipm” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”64px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h2″ header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/ipm” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”overview” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#1E4D2B” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Endangered Species Act Overview<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/11\/Colorado-Endangered-Species-e1747864041853.jpg” alt=”Colorado Endangered Species” title_text=”cepep-colorado-endangered-species-1080×700″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/02\/DSC_4588.jpg” custom_margin=”||1%|0px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_top=”5px” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.6em” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”|5%||5%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Image 1.<\/em> Examples of Colorado animal species protected under the Endangered Species Act. In order from the top-right going clockwise: Black-Footed Ferret, Greater Sage Grouse, Couch’s Spadefoot Toad, and Swift Fox.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u200b<\/span>The Endangered Species Act (ESA), passed in 1973, is a critical U.S. law designed to protect species at risk of extinction. Under the ESA, federal agencies are required to assess their actions and avoid activities that could harm endangered or threatened species or their habitats. This includes managing the use of pesticides, which can negatively affect both plants and animals, particularly those that are vulnerable or on the brink of extinction.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with regulating pesticides under both the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the ESA. The EPA must consult with wildlife agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, to evaluate how specific pesticides could impact endangered species or their habitats. During this consultation, they assess risks like toxic runoff or pesticide drift that may harm non-target organisms, including endangered species.<\/p>\n

If the EPA determines a pesticide could pose risks to protected species, they may implement additional restrictions, such as prohibiting application near sensitive habitats or establishing buffer zones. These restrictions aim to minimize exposure and mitigate risks, balancing agricultural needs with conservation goals. However, this balancing act can be complex, as it involves meeting both agricultural interests and environmental protections\u2014a task that has led to ongoing debates and regulatory adjustments.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/endangered-species\/epas-workplan-and-progress-toward-better-protections-endangered-species” button_text=”Read More On the EPA’s Webpage” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#1E4D2B” button_bg_color=”#F1F1F1″ button_border_color=”#F1F1F1″ button_use_icon=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Technicians” module_id=”mitigation” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” min_height=”1115.9px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – aligned left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#1E4D2B” header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

EPA’s Mitigation Measures to Protect Endangered Species<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”32px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Endangered Species Language on Pesticide Labels<\/h3>\n

EPA\u2019s Endangered Species Protection Program is designed to determine whether pesticide use may affect any threatened or endangered species or cause harmful modification of designated critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. Our goal is to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats, without placing unnecessary burden on agriculture and pesticide users. Pesticide limitations are developed to ensure safe use of pesticides in order to meet this goal.<\/p>\n

If a geographically-specific pesticide use limitation is necessary to protect a listed species or its designated critical habitat, the information appears as an Endangered Species Protection Bulletin and is referenced on the pesticide label. Since these pesticide labels refer to Bulletins, the Bulletins are enforceable as an extension of the label. View endangered species bulletins<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Additional voluntary pesticide restrictions have been developed as part of interim measures in response to litigation. These interim measures will be removed or replaced by other mitigation measures once the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service complete consultation with the EPA. Those restrictions can be found on the\u00a0Endangered Species Litigation page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/12\/farm-green-garden-river-3_2-e1747863494656.jpg” alt=”Farm green garden river” title_text=”cepep-farm-green-garden-river-1080×700″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1%||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_top=”5px” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.6em” custom_padding=”|5%||5%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Image 3.<\/em> When applying pesticides to an agricultural field near surface water, many pesticide labels will require buffer zones, separating the surface water from pesticide drift or runoff. The above photo displays an example of a vegetation buffer, which should be at least twice the height of the crop.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”2%” ol_item_indent=”2%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mitigation Strategies on Pesticide Labels<\/h3>\n

The EPA has implemented a range of mitigation measures for pesticides to comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and protect vulnerable species and their habitats. These measures aim to reduce the negative impacts of pesticide exposure on endangered and threatened species while allowing for necessary pesticide use in agriculture, forestry, and other sectors.<\/p>\n

Mitigation strategies include:<\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Buffer Zones<\/strong>: To prevent pesticide drift or runoff, applicators may be required to maintain buffer zones around sensitive areas like waterways or habitats of endangered species.<\/li>\n
  2. Application Restrictions<\/strong>: Timing restrictions are often applied to limit pesticide use during sensitive periods, such as breeding or nesting seasons for certain species.<\/li>\n
  3. Use Limitations and Product Modifications<\/strong>: The EPA may restrict the use of certain pesticide formulations or require modifications in application methods to reduce risks to non-target organisms.<\/li>\n
  4. Bulletins Live! Two<\/strong>: This online tool provides location-specific information to applicators, outlining real-time restrictions based on proximity to endangered species habitats.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    These measures, developed in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, aim to minimize pesticide exposure risks to endangered species, helping applicators across the country\u2014including agricultural producers and land managers\u2014comply with the ESA while using pesticides responsibly.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/system\/files\/documents\/2024-08\/mitigation-workshop-meeting_05092024.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Read More On the EPA’s Mitigation Strategies (pdf)” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”blt” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#414141″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – aligned left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Bulletins Live! Two<\/h2>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”32px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Bulletins Live! Two is an online tool provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that offers specific guidance on pesticide use restrictions to protect endangered species and their habitats. This tool is part of the EPA\u2019s efforts to implement the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in coordination with pesticide regulations. It allows pesticide applicators to access geographically specific information about endangered species protection measures before applying certain pesticides.<\/p>\n

    For pesticide applicators in Colorado, Bulletin Live! Two helps ensure compliance with federal and state regulations by offering location-based restrictions. Applicators can enter a specific application area in Colorado (using a map or location details) to receive a customized bulletin with up-to-date, site-specific instructions. These bulletins may include requirements like buffer zones, timing limitations, or other usage restrictions designed to reduce the potential impact on local endangered species and critical habitats.<\/p>\n

    By following the instructions provided in Bulletins Live! Two, Colorado applicators can meet ESA compliance requirements, safeguarding protected species while minimizing legal and environmental risks associated with pesticide use.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/system\/files\/documents\/2024-09\/blt-tutorial-updated-sep2024.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”View the BLT Tutorial (pdf)” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#1E4D2B” button_bg_color=”#F1F1F1″ button_border_color=”#F1F1F1″ button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/endangered-species\/bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Check the Bulletins in Your Area” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#1E4D2B” button_bg_color=”#F1F1F1″ button_border_color=”#F1F1F1″ button_use_icon=”off” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/10\/Bulletins-Live-Two-Screenshot-e1747929082984.png” alt=”An example of a Bulletins Live Two search in Colorado for March 2025. A section is highlighted in red to display which areas have restrictions for the rodenticide Kaput.” title_text=”cepep-blt-example-1080×700″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||1%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_top=”5px” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”14px” text_line_height=”1.6em” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”|5%||5%|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Image 2.<\/em> Pesticide usage limitation areas (PULA) can be found in the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Bulletins Live Two!<\/a> portal. Shown here are PULAs in Washington State (A) and the Midwest (B). PULAs can be very specific, such as in Washington where they predominately follow salmonid habitat. Others can have broad geographic coverage such as these in the Midwest states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan that can protect multiple endangered species and their habitats such as Oarisma poweshiek<\/em>, known as the Poweshiek skipperling, and Lycaeides melissa samuelis<\/em>, known as the Karner Blue butterfly. (Screenshots captured by Christopher McCullough, Ph.D.)<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Technicians” module_id=”qa” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ min_height=”1115.9px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Squiggle – aligned left” _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Q&A: Pesticides and the ESA<\/h2>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/agbio\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/127\/2024\/05\/Pesticide-label-e1747926205505.jpg” alt=”Man pointing at pesticide label in front of field” title_text=”cepep-pesticide-label-1080×700″ force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_top=”5px” border_color_top=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_level=”h3″ body_ul_item_indent=”3%” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What Is the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?” open=”on” icon_color=”#1E4D2B” toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” open_icon_color=”#1E4D2B” open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    The Endangered Species Act (ESA), passed in 1973, is one of the most powerful tools for protecting biodiversity in the United States. Recognizing the importance of preserving the nation\u2019s natural heritage, Congress designed the ESA to protect species at risk of extinction and conserve the ecosystems they rely on. It has since become a global model for conservation, safeguarding both animals and plants, as well as the habitats critical to their survival.<\/p>\n

    Under the ESA, species are classified as:<\/strong><\/p>\n