Endangered Species Act Violation Statute of Limitations

What is the Statute of Limitations for Endangered Species Act (ESA) Violations?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal law in the United States that protects endangered and threatened species and their habitats. The statute of limitations for a violation of ESA depends on the type of violation and the type of enforcement action being taken.

For civil enforcement actions, such as lawsuits brought by the government or private citizens, the statute of limitations is typically five years from the date of the violation.

For criminal enforcement actions, such as the prosecution of individuals or companies for knowingly or willfully violating the ESA, the statute of limitations is typically five years from the date of the violation.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines and the specific statute of limitations for a particular violation of ESA may vary depending on the circumstances of the case. It's always best to consult with a lawyer or the relevant government agency for specific information on the statute of limitations for a particular ESA violation.

Also, it's worth mentioning that the ESA is enforced mainly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and both agencies may have specific regulations and policies that may apply to different situations.