Number: RS21500
Title: The Endangered Species Act (ESA), Sound Science, and the Courts
Authors: Pamela Baldwin, American Law Division 
Abstract: Decisions to list species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) must rest only on the best available scientific data, and science plays a part in other important aspects of the Act. Yet many times the relevant science may be comples or sketchy. Recent situations involving economic and social conflicts over resources have resulted in a renewed focus on and criticism of how science is used under the ESA. This report reviews how some courts have regarded these issues.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated July 16, 2003