Which U.S. law is designed to protect endangered and threatened species and requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize listed species?

Which U.S. law is designed to protect endangered and threatened species and requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize listed species?

• A. Endangered Species Act of 1973
• B. Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974
• C. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• D. No Child Left Behind Act

Answer: (A)

This question tests understanding of which law directly protects endangered and threatened species and requires federal agencies to ensure their actions won’t jeopardize listed species. That protection comes from the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It not only lists species as endangered or threatened and designates protected habitats, but also uses a mandatory consultation process—Section 7—where federal agencies must assess and adjust their activities to avoid harming listed species or destroying critical habitat. The other laws mentioned focus on budgeting, disability rights, and education reform, not species protection, so they don’t fit the scenario described.

This question tests understanding of which law directly protects endangered and threatened species and requires federal agencies to ensure their actions won’t jeopardize listed species. That protection comes from the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It not only lists species as endangered or threatened and designates protected habitats, but also uses a mandatory consultation process—Section 7—where federal agencies must assess and adjust their activities to avoid harming listed species or destroying critical habitat. The other laws mentioned focus on budgeting, disability rights, and education reform, not species protection, so they don’t fit the scenario described.