The Endangered Species Act, which shields more than 2,000 plant, animal and insect species at risk from extinction, has withstood regular efforts to weaken its mission since President Nixon signed it into law 45 years ago.

Now, Republicans in Congress and the Trump administration are rushing to gut much of the law as the possibility grows that Democrats could take over the U.S. House in the midterm elections.

Today on All Sides with Ann Fisher, we review those efforts to dismantle the Endangered Species Act and consider the local and national benefits from the law.

Guests:
Timothy Cama, energy and environmental reporter, The Hill
Kenn Kaufman, co-author of "Kaufman Field Guide to Nature of the Midwest"
Jeremy T. Bruskotter, associate professor, Ohio State School of Environment and Natural Resources
Dusty Lombardi, executive director, Ohio Wildlife Center