Save the Endangered Species Act!

Dear Secretary Kempthorne,

I am writing to voice my opposition to a proposed regulation, [FWS-R9-ES-2008-0093] and [0808011023-81048-01], that would significantly weaken the Endangered Species Act.

These proposed changes would drastically limit our nation's ability to protect our most endangered wildlife -- from polar bears and wolves to whooping cranes and whales. Under current law, before moving forward with projects like a dam or a mine, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service biologists give input and advice about impacts on endangered species. The proposal would instead allow agencies to decide a project's level of harm themselves, removing the step where expert advice is offered.

A real-time example of why this system of scientific checks and balances is so important: a report by biologists at the National Marine Fisheries Service found that three EPA-approved pesticides are causing serious harm to endangered stocks of west coast salmon. This review was triggered under the very section of the Endangered Species Act that the Bush administration is now hoping to undo.

The proposed regulation is also intended to stop consideration of global warming impacts on species that are imperiled by climate change. Species like polar bears, salmon, and many others are harmed through the numerous actions that incrementally are driving climate change. Turning a blind eye to this kind of analysis has no basis in the law and makes no sense as a matter of policy.

Animals on the brink of extinction need consideration and protection. To ensure the future of our most vulnerable species, we should continue the requirement for independent scientific review and abandon these proposed changes.

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