Since its creation in 1973, the Endangered Species Act has become one of America's most important and effective environmental laws. It represents the commitment of the American people to work together to protect and restore species that are at risk of disappearing forever. According to polls, 84% of Americans support the law and 87% believe it is an effective “safety net” to protect species from extinction. So does the majority rule? With the popular vote among Americans and a large amount of government funding thrown into the mix, that certainly is the case. The people responsible for protecting endangered species and the ESA are receiving the funding and support they need to make a difference. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The U.S. federal and state governments spent approximately $1.7 billion to conserve endangered and threatened species under the ESA in 2012. Funding comes from nearly every level of the government federal government for protection and conservation efforts. Many species receiving the large expenditures now meet the recovery criteria. A great example is found with the Steller sea lion population and its removal under the Endangered Species Act after meeting criteria established in a recovery plan. The ESA's spending of $1.7 billion is only a fraction of what is spent to conserve all these species. This number does not include the work of non-governmental organizations or individuals passionate about the cause. With a fairly high success rate in preventing species extinction, the ESA makes a big impact with its funding. It currently protects more than 1,400 plant and animal species in the United States and its territories. To date, only 10 species have become extinct under the law, 8 of which were likely extinct before being protected. Scientists estimate that if not for the law, 227 specimens would likely have become extinct since it was passed. A study by the Center documented 110 species that made great recoveries, and the vast majority met or exceeded recovery times. Simply put, the law has had a 99% success rate in preventing extinctions. Along with success, environmentalists aim to put a positive spin on their work. They have added a Green List of species to the existing Red List of endangered species. The Green List highlights those species that are not at risk of extinction, that are “fully conserved” and “that exist in ecologically significant numbers, interacting fully with other species in their ecosystems”. This positive reinforcement helps highlight the fact that conservationists believe that conservation is not just about saving individual species, but also about preserving intact ecosystems. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay With the support of government law, a massive federal and state fund, high success rates, and positivity and favoritism from environmentalists and citizens, it is evident that the people responsible for protecting endangered species are getting it all what they need to make a difference. Billions of dollars are spent to protect these species and many people have been saved thanks to this. People are always willing to help the cause, whether it's a broad organization like the Wildlife Conservation Society or an individual-focused group like the Save The Manatee Club..