America's landmark law protecting endangered species is under attack
News broke that the government has drafted proposed new rules to dramatically weaken the Endangered Species Act. With only five months remaining in office, the Bush Administration revealed yesterday that it would soon publish a proposal that would eliminate independent scientific reviews and undermine species protections in favor of fast-tracking federal development projects.
The Administration characterized its forthcoming proposal as only "narrow changes" to existing regulations. Unfortunately, those narrow changes are likely to have broad consequences.
Until now, the ESA has required interagency consultation between "action agencies" that build dams or highways, issue oil and gas leases or timber cutting contracts, etc., and the "conservation agencies" that have the primary responsibility for protecting endangered species (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service).
The existing process has worked pretty well, often resulting in minor, but important, changes to proposed projects so as to avoid adverse impacts to rare plants and animals.
If the proposed regulatory revisions are adopted, the independent scrutiny provided by the conservation agencies will no longer be required.
Instead, the very agencies whose primary mission it is to oversee and promote federal development projects will decide for themselves whether their actions will have any adverse impact on rare species.
We need your help to fight back. Add your voice to the chorus of opposition to this outrageous proposal.This is your chance to stand up for endangered species protections.
Please email The Administration and say you oppose the outrageous changes to weaken the ESA and that you support wildlife protections to ensure future generations will continue to enjoy America's rich natural heritage.
Together, we will do everything we can to stand against this assault on the landmark Endangered Species Act.
Email form is here: Environmental Defense Fund
