Federal Agency Obligations under Section 7(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requested legal guidance on the scope of Federal agencies’ responsibilities under Section 7 Section 7
Section 7 Consultation The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.

Learn more about Section 7 (a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act. Section 7(a)(1) directs all Federal agencies to carry out “programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species.” The provision provides an affirmative and broad mandate to all agencies to take action to conserve species.