In 2023, the Endangered Species Act turns 50. Regaled by some, reviled by others, the ESA is one of the cornerstone pieces of environmental legislation that was enacted in a busy decade in Congress. There have been many ESA successes—recovery of species like the bald eagle and peregrine falcon, regulation changes that have improved the ability to work with private landowners and industry partners, and more—but there have also been claims of government overreach as well as extended litigation.