Gregory+Niguidula+-+Analysis+of+Executive+Order+11987

Carter, James. “Executive Order 11987--Exotic Organisms.” 24 May 1977. Web.

The desired natures in executive orders are easier to detect. Not one, but two executive orders have been passed for the explicit purpose of controlling the spread of invasive species. On May 24, 1977 President Carter enacted Executive Order 11987, titled “Exotic Organisms.” Four terms were defined: United States, Introduction, Exotic Species, and Native Species. United States was simply defined as all of the States as well as the other commonwealths and territories the US controlled. More interesting is the other three which are as follows:

"Introduction" means the release, escape, or establishment of an exotic species into a natural ecosystem.

"Exotic species" means all species of plants and animals not naturally occurring, either presently or historically, in any ecosystem of the United States.

"Native species" means all species of plants and animals naturally occurring, either presently or historically, in any ecosystem of the United States.

Section 2 contains the orders’ directives. Part (a) instructs executive agencies to restrict the introduction of exotic species into “natural ecosystems” under their control and encourage the state and local governments as well as private citizens to do the same. Part (b) and (c) direct executive agencies to restrict the exportation of both exotic and native species. Part (d) states that the Order does not apply to cases in which the Secretary of Agriculture or Secretary of the Interior has found that the species being introduced will not have an adverse effect on the natural ecosystem.

The third and final section of the Order tasks the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture with creating a system for the implementation of the above policies and working out any other logistical issues that may present themselves while doing so.

The influence of desired nature is very much present in the language of this Executive Order. In hindsight, the latter three definitions presented in the Order can be considered overly simplistic. In the definition for introductions, the term “natural ecosystem” is used without any definition or context. It can be inferred from the context of the document that in this case, “natural ecosystem” means, more or less, an ecosystem that has existed for some period of time relatively free of human impact. Given what is now known about climate change and the profound effect that humans have had on the environment, one could argue that not a single ecosystem on earth is completely “natural” anymore. The definition for exotic species encompasses any and all species that did not come to populate an area by “natural” means. In this case, exotic species are defined as direct opposites of native species. Taken by themselves, these definitions show a clear case of invoking the false dichotomy between dangerous “exotic” species and benign natives. However, section 2(d) does provide for the possibility that the exotic species are not harmful, though it should be noted that the species are treated as harmful until evidence is found that proves otherwise.

Full text of the order can be found here: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/11987.html It is also reproduced here:

//Executive Order 11987--Exotic organisms// //Source: The provisions of Executive Order 11987 of May 24, 1977, appear at 42 FR 26949, 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 116, unless otherwise noted.// //By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the United States of America, and as President of the United States of America, in furtherance of the purposes and policies of the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), it is hereby ordered as follows:// //Section 1. As used in this Order://

//(a) "United States" means all of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.//

//(b) "Introduction" means the release, escape, or establishment of an exotic species into a natural ecosystem.//

//(c) "Exotic species" means all species of plants and animals not naturally occurring, either presently or historically, in any ecosystem of the United States.//

//(d) "Native species" means all species of plants and animals naturally occurring, either presently or historically, in any ecosystem of the United States.// //Sec. 2. (a) Executive agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, restrict the introduction of exotic species into the natural ecosystems on lands and waters which they own, lease, or hold for purposes of administration; and, shall encourage the States, local governments, and private citizens to prevent the introduction of exotic species into natural ecosystems of the United States.//

//(b) Executive agencies, to the extent they have been authorized by statute to restrict the importation of exotic species, shall restrict the introduction of exotic species into any natural ecosystem of the United States.//

//(c) Executive agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, restrict the use of Federal funds, programs, or authorities used to export native species for the purpose of introducing such species into ecosystems outside the United States where they do not naturally occur.//

//(d) This Order does not apply to the introduction of any exotic species, or the export of any native species, if the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior finds that such introduction or exportation will not have an adverse effect on natural ecosystems.// //Sec. 3. The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the heads of other appropriate agencies, shall develop and implement, by rule or regulation, a system to standardize and simplify the requirements, procedures and other activities appropriate for implementing the provisions of this Order. The Secretary of the Interior shall ensure that such rules or regulations are in accord with the performance by other agencies of those functions vested by law, including this Order, in such agencies.//