Interior, Commerce Departments Overturn Rule That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Act

Statement by Francesca Grifo

April 28, 2009 -- Today, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar rescinded eleventh-hour Bush administration changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allowed federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects—such as roads and dams—would threaten imperiled species. Federal agencies again will be required to consult with expert biologists at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting new projects.

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The rule change was just one of several controversial Bush administration actions that undermined the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

In a related story, 1,300 biologists and three scientific societies representing some 20,000 scientists sent separate letters last Friday to the Interior and Commerce departments urging them to overturn the last-minute Bush rule changes.

Below is a statement by Francesca Grifo, director of UCS's Scientific Integrity Program:

"Several last-minute Bush administration regulatory changes have undermined the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act, and today the Obama administration has begun to repair the damage. The message from tens of thousands of scientists around the country is clear: These unwarranted changes fundamentally undermine our ability to protect imperiled plants and animals.

"Today, the Obama administration restored critical checks and balances to protect our nation's biodiversity. Interior Secretary Salazar's decision is a long-awaited first step. But there is much more to be done. The Obama administration must thoroughly review how science is used to ensure that our nation's imperiled species have a chance to survive—and thrive."

Source: The Union of Concerned Scientists