Last Friday, a notice was posted online in the Federal Register: If the Bush Administration gets its way, parts of the Endangered Species Act will be removed from the books.
Currently, the Endangered Species Act requires government scientists to perform independent reviews to determine whether construction projects paid for by federal agencies would harm endangered wildlife or habitats. Designed to avoid charges of a conflict of interest that could arise if an agency unilaterally approves its own projects, this requirement has been in place for 35 years.
These reviews, conducted by experts at the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, have been credited with ensuring protection of several endangered species in the U.S., including bald eagles and grizzly bears.
Why, then, does the Bush Administration want the changes? Some federal agencies have raised complaints that the process of review leads to higher construction costs and project delays.
And, according to an AP story:
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said late Monday [August 11] the changes were needed to ensure that the Endangered Species Act would not be used as a “back door” to regulate the gases blamed for global warming. … The draft rules would bar federal agencies from assessing the emissions from projects that contribute to global warming and its effect on species and habitats.
As you will recall, in May of this year, the polar bear became the first species listed as threatened on the basis of habitat concerns stemming from climate change.
Because of the link to climate change, and because the new regulations would not require the approval of Congress, many see the proposed rule change as politically motivated — and not in the best interest of endangered wildlife. Supporters of the rule changes counter that the revision will allow agencies to increase efficiency and focus expertise where it is really needed.
If you’d like to weigh in on the proposed changes, you may do so until September 15, using the eRulemaking portal to submit your comments to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Emails and faxed messages will not be accepted.
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