Letter to write re Bush's anti endangered species bill

[CitizenPatriot]

cross posted something similar in general discussions.


http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2008/8/13/145720/505

http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2008/08/20/endangered_species_act/


re this article about the latest proposal by Bush to completely destroy our wildlife and environment as his lasting legacy, please write!

here's a sample letter:

I am writing to voice my opposition to a proposed regulation,
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.

Also troubling, the administration seems to be working to keep the public
out of the decision-making process by limiting the comment period to just 30
days. At a minimum, the public comment period should be extended to 120
days.

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.

submit via:

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments or materials concerning this proposed rule in one of the following ways:

(1) Through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions on the website for submitting comments.

(2) By U.S. mail or hand-delivery to Public Comment Processing, Attention: 1018-AT50, Division of Policy and Directives Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203. We will not accept e-mail or faxes. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Public Comments section below for more information).