After a 17-year-long battle, Baykeeper’s legal team finally won a court order that compelled the federal government to protect the Bay’s Longfin Smelt by listing it as an endangered species. But last week, the House of Representatives, voted to undo the listing. Now, the fate of this important species rests with the Senate.
The best available science shows conclusively that Longfin Smelt and San Francisco Bay need the protections provided by the Endangered Species Act. Because of their ecological needs, adequate protections for Longfin Smelt also results in protections for the Bay’s water, fishing, and other endangered species.
This attack also sets a dangerous precedent that could undo environmental protections across the country.
Please contact Senator Alex Padilla and Senator Adam Schiff’s offices to urge them to reject a scheme that would leave San Francisco Bay without vital protections.
You can use the script below to call and voice your opposition. The Senate vote will take place by this Friday.
Contact Details for Senator Alex Padilla:
- Phone: (202) 224-3553
- Send an online message
Contact Details for Senator Adam Schiff:
- Phone: (202) 224-3841
- Send an online message
Draft Script:
Hi, my name is [your name]. I’m a voter in California calling from [your city and zip code].
I’m calling to urge the Senator to oppose a Congressional Review Act Resolution that would undo listing the San Francisco Bay’s Longfin Smelt population as an endangered species.
I want the Senator to fight back against the Trump administration and MAGA attacks on California’s water, wildlife, and fishing communities.
Please vote to ensure that San Francisco Bay’s Longfin Smelt are protected by firmly rejecting the Congressional Review Act resolution to delist them.
Illustration of a Longfin Smelt by Fiorella Ikeue in collaboration with Baykeeper