There is a lizard known as the “Yellow Spotted Lizard” in our proposed project area that was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on September 2, 2019. The local high school mascot is the Yellow Spotted Lizard and the local community has an affinity for the lizard and is very sensitive about this lizard.

The Trump Administration revised the ESA on August 12, 2019 and the new regulations went into effect on September 1, 2019.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service held a press conference on recent revisions to the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on September 6, 2019. Your task is to review the press releases, press conference video, and all pertinent information to the new regulations and prepare a memorandum for me that does the following:

1. Identify the sections of the ESA that have been changed;

2. Summarize the changes to the sections of the ESA;

3. Explain to me whether this means we need to worry about violating the ESA if we alter the habitat of the Yellow Spotted Lizard or happen to kill any as a result of our project.

4. Summarize any responsive actions or mitigation actions we may propose to address the Yellow Spotted Lizard in our project area or if we know need to do so.

5. Give me your informed opinion whether we should be worried about harming the Yellow Spotted.

6. This must be completed and turned in to me no later than 11:59 p.m. October 9, 2019. We will have a meeting on October 11, 2019 to discuss your findings so please be prepared to discuss this at that time.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 The sections of the ESA that have been changed include Section 4 Listing species as threatened or ... View the full answer