Obama Takes Bold Action to Restore Strength to the Endangered Species Act

March 3, 2009 -- Washington, DC – President Obama today directed federal agencies to once again consult with independent scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to determine if their actions might harm threatened and endangered species. This action will limit the damage caused by the midnight Endangered Species Act regulations put in place by the Bush Administration in December 2008.

John Kostyack, Executive Director of Wildlife Conservation and Global Warming at the National Wildlife Federation, said:

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“This action demonstrates President Obama’s commitment to protecting America’s endangered species and the habitats that both people and wildlife depend upon. Reinstating independent scientific review of the impacts of federal actions on endangered species is a giant first step in restoring the Endangered Species Act after eight years of attacks from the Bush Administration.

“With just one stroke of the pen, President Obama has done more today to uphold the scientific integrity of the Endangered Species Act than President Bush did during his entire eight years in office.

“Members of the Senate should follow President Obama’s lead and pass the 2009 Omnibus Spending Bill, which includes language making it clear that President Obama has the authority to immediately and completely reverse President Bush's last-minute Endangered Species Act changes.”

Source: National Wildlife Foundation