Since its creation in 1973, the Endangered Species Act has become one of America's most important and effective environmental laws. He represents the American people committed to working together to protect and restore species threatened with extinction forever. According to polls, 84 percent of Americans support the law and 87 percent 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 very large amount of government funding added to the mix, that is certainly the case. Those responsible for protecting endangered species and the ESA are given the funding and support they need to make a difference. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay The US federal and state governments have spent an estimated $1.7 billion to conserve endangered and threatened species in the ESA framework in 2012. Funding comes from almost every level of the federal government for protection and conservation efforts. Many species that benefit from significant spending now meet recovery criteria. A prime example is the Steller sea lion population and its delisting under the Endangered Species Act after meeting criteria set out in a recovery plan. The ESA's spending of $1.7 billion is only a fraction of what is spent to conserve all of these species. This figure 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 achieves great impact through 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 without the law, 227 species would likely have disappeared since its adoption. A Center study documented 110 species that have experienced excellent recovery, with the vast majority meeting or exceeding recovery timelines. In shorter terms, the law has had a 99 percent success rate in preventing extinctions. Alongside this success, conservationists aim to put a positive spin on their work. They added a green list of species to the existing red list of threatened species. The Green List highlights species that are not threatened with extinction, are “fully conserved” and “exist in ecologically significant numbers, interacting fully with other species in their ecosystems”. This positive reinforcement helps emphasize that environmentalists believe that conservation is not just about saving individual species, but also about preserving intact ecosystems. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayWith the support of government laws, a massive federal and state fund, high success rates, and the positivity and favoritism of environmental advocates and citizens, it is evident that those responsible for protecting endangered species get everything they need to make a difference. Billions of dollars are spent protecting these species and many people have been spared.