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9_2ecbplus.xml_3 | train | ent | 9_2ecbplus.xml | 2 | Obama overturns Bush endangered species rule | 2 | 2 | 16 | 20 | Bush | HUM17214184525977845 | Bush | ['obama', 'overturn', 'bush', 'endanger', 'specie', 'rule'] | Obama overturns <m> Bush </m> endangered species rule | http : / / www . cnn . com / 2009 / POLITICS / 03 / 03 / endangered . species . act /
updated 8 : 41 p . m . EST , Tue March 3 , 2009
Obama overturns <m> Bush </m> endangered species rule
President Obama on Tuesday overturned a last - minute Bush administration regulation that many environmentalists claim weakened the Endangered Species Act .
The regulation , issued a few weeks before George W . Bush left office , made it easier for federal agencies to skip consultations with government scientists before launching projects that could affect endangered wildlife .
By overturning the regulation , Obama said during an enthusiastic reception at the Interior Department , he had restored "the scientific process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species Act , a process undermined by past administrations . "
Under the Bush administration rule , there was no need for a federal agency to consult with the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Services if that agency determined that no harm would come to an endangered species as a result of its project .
But the determination of what "no harm" meant rested with agency bureaucrats instead of scientists .
Obama issued a memorandum that effectively suspends the regulation while ordering a review to determine whether it promotes "the purposes of the [ Endangered Species Act ] . "
"The work of scientists and experts in my administration , including right here in the Interior Department , will be respected , " Obama said .
"For more than three decades , the Endangered Species Act has successfully protected our nation's most threatened wildlife , and we should be looking for ways to improve it , not weaken it . "
Environmental groups were quick to praise Obama's action .
"President Obama's announcement will allow [ the Endangered Species Act ] to do what it was intended : protect our nation's endangered plants and animals , " said Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Endangered Species Program .
"Reversing the Bush administration's midnight action will restore protections for our last wild places and species . "
Obama also helped celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Interior Department on Tuesday .
"Throughout our history , there's been a tension between those who've sought to conserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations and those who have sought to profit from these resources , " he told department employees .
"But I'm here to tell you this is a false choice .
With smart , sustainable policies , we can grow our economy today and preserve the environment for ourselves , our children and our grandchildren . " |
9_2ecbplus.xml_52 | train | ent | 9_2ecbplus.xml | 2 | Obama overturns Bush endangered species rule | 5 | 5 | 40 | 44 | rule | NON17210019876807755 | rule | ['obama', 'overturn', 'bush', 'endanger', 'specie', 'rule'] | Obama overturns Bush endangered species <m> rule </m> | http : / / www . cnn . com / 2009 / POLITICS / 03 / 03 / endangered . species . act /
updated 8 : 41 p . m . EST , Tue March 3 , 2009
Obama overturns Bush endangered species <m> rule </m>
President Obama on Tuesday overturned a last - minute Bush administration regulation that many environmentalists claim weakened the Endangered Species Act .
The regulation , issued a few weeks before George W . Bush left office , made it easier for federal agencies to skip consultations with government scientists before launching projects that could affect endangered wildlife .
By overturning the regulation , Obama said during an enthusiastic reception at the Interior Department , he had restored "the scientific process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species Act , a process undermined by past administrations . "
Under the Bush administration rule , there was no need for a federal agency to consult with the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Services if that agency determined that no harm would come to an endangered species as a result of its project .
But the determination of what "no harm" meant rested with agency bureaucrats instead of scientists .
Obama issued a memorandum that effectively suspends the regulation while ordering a review to determine whether it promotes "the purposes of the [ Endangered Species Act ] . "
"The work of scientists and experts in my administration , including right here in the Interior Department , will be respected , " Obama said .
"For more than three decades , the Endangered Species Act has successfully protected our nation's most threatened wildlife , and we should be looking for ways to improve it , not weaken it . "
Environmental groups were quick to praise Obama's action .
"President Obama's announcement will allow [ the Endangered Species Act ] to do what it was intended : protect our nation's endangered plants and animals , " said Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Endangered Species Program .
"Reversing the Bush administration's midnight action will restore protections for our last wild places and species . "
Obama also helped celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Interior Department on Tuesday .
"Throughout our history , there's been a tension between those who've sought to conserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations and those who have sought to profit from these resources , " he told department employees .
"But I'm here to tell you this is a false choice .
With smart , sustainable policies , we can grow our economy today and preserve the environment for ourselves , our children and our grandchildren . " |
9_2ecbplus.xml_62 | train | ent | 9_2ecbplus.xml | 2 | Obama overturns Bush endangered species rule | 4 | 4 | 32 | 39 | species | NON17210820571952572 | specie | ['obama', 'overturn', 'bush', 'endanger', 'specie', 'rule'] | Obama overturns Bush endangered <m> species </m> rule | http : / / www . cnn . com / 2009 / POLITICS / 03 / 03 / endangered . species . act /
updated 8 : 41 p . m . EST , Tue March 3 , 2009
Obama overturns Bush endangered <m> species </m> rule
President Obama on Tuesday overturned a last - minute Bush administration regulation that many environmentalists claim weakened the Endangered Species Act .
The regulation , issued a few weeks before George W . Bush left office , made it easier for federal agencies to skip consultations with government scientists before launching projects that could affect endangered wildlife .
By overturning the regulation , Obama said during an enthusiastic reception at the Interior Department , he had restored "the scientific process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species Act , a process undermined by past administrations . "
Under the Bush administration rule , there was no need for a federal agency to consult with the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Services if that agency determined that no harm would come to an endangered species as a result of its project .
But the determination of what "no harm" meant rested with agency bureaucrats instead of scientists .
Obama issued a memorandum that effectively suspends the regulation while ordering a review to determine whether it promotes "the purposes of the [ Endangered Species Act ] . "
"The work of scientists and experts in my administration , including right here in the Interior Department , will be respected , " Obama said .
"For more than three decades , the Endangered Species Act has successfully protected our nation's most threatened wildlife , and we should be looking for ways to improve it , not weaken it . "
Environmental groups were quick to praise Obama's action .
"President Obama's announcement will allow [ the Endangered Species Act ] to do what it was intended : protect our nation's endangered plants and animals , " said Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Endangered Species Program .
"Reversing the Bush administration's midnight action will restore protections for our last wild places and species . "
Obama also helped celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Interior Department on Tuesday .
"Throughout our history , there's been a tension between those who've sought to conserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations and those who have sought to profit from these resources , " he told department employees .
"But I'm here to tell you this is a false choice .
With smart , sustainable policies , we can grow our economy today and preserve the environment for ourselves , our children and our grandchildren . " |
9_2ecbplus.xml_7 | train | evt | 9_2ecbplus.xml | 2 | Obama overturns Bush endangered species rule | 1 | 1 | 6 | 15 | overturns | ACT17214300832263768 | overturn | ['obama', 'overturn', 'bush', 'endanger', 'specie', 'rule'] | Obama <m> overturns </m> Bush endangered species rule | http : / / www . cnn . com / 2009 / POLITICS / 03 / 03 / endangered . species . act /
updated 8 : 41 p . m . EST , Tue March 3 , 2009
Obama <m> overturns </m> Bush endangered species rule
President Obama on Tuesday overturned a last - minute Bush administration regulation that many environmentalists claim weakened the Endangered Species Act .
The regulation , issued a few weeks before George W . Bush left office , made it easier for federal agencies to skip consultations with government scientists before launching projects that could affect endangered wildlife .
By overturning the regulation , Obama said during an enthusiastic reception at the Interior Department , he had restored "the scientific process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species Act , a process undermined by past administrations . "
Under the Bush administration rule , there was no need for a federal agency to consult with the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Services if that agency determined that no harm would come to an endangered species as a result of its project .
But the determination of what "no harm" meant rested with agency bureaucrats instead of scientists .
Obama issued a memorandum that effectively suspends the regulation while ordering a review to determine whether it promotes "the purposes of the [ Endangered Species Act ] . "
"The work of scientists and experts in my administration , including right here in the Interior Department , will be respected , " Obama said .
"For more than three decades , the Endangered Species Act has successfully protected our nation's most threatened wildlife , and we should be looking for ways to improve it , not weaken it . "
Environmental groups were quick to praise Obama's action .
"President Obama's announcement will allow [ the Endangered Species Act ] to do what it was intended : protect our nation's endangered plants and animals , " said Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Endangered Species Program .
"Reversing the Bush administration's midnight action will restore protections for our last wild places and species . "
Obama also helped celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Interior Department on Tuesday .
"Throughout our history , there's been a tension between those who've sought to conserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations and those who have sought to profit from these resources , " he told department employees .
"But I'm here to tell you this is a false choice .
With smart , sustainable policies , we can grow our economy today and preserve the environment for ourselves , our children and our grandchildren . " |
9_2ecbplus.xml_61 | train | evt | 9_2ecbplus.xml | 2 | Obama overturns Bush endangered species rule | 3 | 3 | 21 | 31 | endangered | ACT17214346135531910 | endanger | ['obama', 'overturn', 'bush', 'endanger', 'specie', 'rule'] | Obama overturns Bush <m> endangered </m> species rule | http : / / www . cnn . com / 2009 / POLITICS / 03 / 03 / endangered . species . act /
updated 8 : 41 p . m . EST , Tue March 3 , 2009
Obama overturns Bush <m> endangered </m> species rule
President Obama on Tuesday overturned a last - minute Bush administration regulation that many environmentalists claim weakened the Endangered Species Act .
The regulation , issued a few weeks before George W . Bush left office , made it easier for federal agencies to skip consultations with government scientists before launching projects that could affect endangered wildlife .
By overturning the regulation , Obama said during an enthusiastic reception at the Interior Department , he had restored "the scientific process to its rightful place at the heart of the Endangered Species Act , a process undermined by past administrations . "
Under the Bush administration rule , there was no need for a federal agency to consult with the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Services if that agency determined that no harm would come to an endangered species as a result of its project .
But the determination of what "no harm" meant rested with agency bureaucrats instead of scientists .
Obama issued a memorandum that effectively suspends the regulation while ordering a review to determine whether it promotes "the purposes of the [ Endangered Species Act ] . "
"The work of scientists and experts in my administration , including right here in the Interior Department , will be respected , " Obama said .
"For more than three decades , the Endangered Species Act has successfully protected our nation's most threatened wildlife , and we should be looking for ways to improve it , not weaken it . "
Environmental groups were quick to praise Obama's action .
"President Obama's announcement will allow [ the Endangered Species Act ] to do what it was intended : protect our nation's endangered plants and animals , " said Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Endangered Species Program .
"Reversing the Bush administration's midnight action will restore protections for our last wild places and species . "
Obama also helped celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Interior Department on Tuesday .
"Throughout our history , there's been a tension between those who've sought to conserve our natural resources for the benefit of future generations and those who have sought to profit from these resources , " he told department employees .
"But I'm here to tell you this is a false choice .
With smart , sustainable policies , we can grow our economy today and preserve the environment for ourselves , our children and our grandchildren . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_2 | train | ent | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 4 | 4 | 25 | 39 | Administration | HUM17212524027211372 | Administration | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama <m> Administration </m> to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama <m> Administration </m> to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_20 | train | ent | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 7 | 7 | 52 | 56 | Bush | HUM17214184525977845 | Bush | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn <m> Bush </m> Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn <m> Bush </m> Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_1 | train | ent | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | Biologists | HUM17209507366594611 | biologist | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | <m> Biologists </m> Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
<m> Biologists </m> Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_21 | train | ent | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 8 | 8 | 57 | 62 | Rules | NON17210019876807755 | rule | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush <m> Rules </m> That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush <m> Rules </m> That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_39 | train | ent | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 15 | 15 | 98 | 105 | Species | NON17210820571952572 | Species | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered <m> Species </m> Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered <m> Species </m> Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_41 | train | ent | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 9 | 9 | 63 | 67 | That | NON17210019876807755 | that | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules <m> That </m> Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules <m> That </m> Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_5 | train | evt | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 1 | 2 | 11 | 18 | Call on | 10000002723 | call | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists <m> Call on </m> Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists <m> Call on </m> Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_6 | train | evt | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 6 | 6 | 43 | 51 | Overturn | ACT17214300832263768 | overturn | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to <m> Overturn </m> Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to <m> Overturn </m> Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_7 | train | evt | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 10 | 12 | 68 | 83 | Cut Out | ACT28273790533343673 | Science | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That <m> Cut Science Out </m> of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That <m> Cut Science Out </m> of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_8 | train | evt | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 16 | 16 | 106 | 115 | Decisions | 10000002724 | Decisions | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species <m> Decisions </m> | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species <m> Decisions </m>
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_40 | train | evt | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 14 | 14 | 87 | 97 | Endangered | ACT17214346135531910 | Endangered | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of <m> Endangered </m> Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of <m> Endangered </m> Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_9ecbplus.xml_42 | train | evt | 9_9ecbplus.xml | 1 | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut Science Out of Endangered Species Decisions | 11 | 11 | 72 | 79 | Science | ACT17210050647433902 | Science | ['biologist', 'obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'bush', 'rule', 'cut', 'science', 'endangered', 'species', 'decisions'] | Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut <m> Science </m> Out of Endangered Species Decisions | https : / / www . commondreams . org / newswire / 2009 / 04 / 27 - 1
Biologists Call on Obama Administration to Overturn Bush Rules That Cut <m> Science </m> Out of Endangered Species Decisions
Interior and Commerce Secretaries Must Act by May 9
WASHINGTON - April 27 -
More than 1 , 300 federal and independent scientists with biological expertise and three leading scientific societies today called on the Interior and Commerce departments to overturn rule changes made in January that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act .
In a letter , the scientists urged the department secretaries to rescind changes to Endangered Species Act regulations that allow federal agencies to decide for themselves if their own projects - - such as roads , dams and mines - - would threaten imperiled species .
Previously , federal agencies were required to consult with biologists at the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service before undertaking or permitting projects .
"Many federal agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects on endangered species and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project , " said Stuart Pimm , Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University , who helped organize the scientists' letter .
"The new rules exclude expert scientists - - who for decades have provided impartial review and critical analysis - - from the process . "
The Ornithological Council , Society for Conservation Biology and the Wildlife Society , which collectively represent more than 20 , 000 scientists , also sent a letter today asking the Interior and Commerce secretaries to rescind the changes and make other improvements to the scientific base of the Endangered Species Act .
"As the threats we face continue to evolve , federal scientists must be able to evaluate their consequences for imperiled species .
Putting boundaries on the science that informs the Endangered Species Act fundamentally undermines the ability of science and scientists to protect our nation's biodiversity , " said Alan Thornhill , an ecologist and executive director of the Society for Conservation Biology .
"Politics plays a huge role in such decisions , " said Michael Hutchins , executive director and CEO of The Wildlife Society .
"Expert review and oversight are critical . "
The rules generated concern when they were hastily pushed through at the end of the last administration with little discussion or debate .
The Obama administration has addressed the rule change , but has not formally overturned it .
On March 3 , President Obama directed the Commerce and Interior departments to review it , stating that "we should be looking at ways to strengthen [ the Endangered Species Act ] - - not weaken it . "
President Obama also directed federal agencies to continue consulting with scientists on projects that might harm endangered species .
Congress also has taken steps to address the problem .
A provision in an omnibus spending bill signed by President Obama on March 11 allows Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke to rescind the rule changes within 60 days .
Secretary Salazar has said publicly that he is concerned about the rule changes , but has not indicated that he will act by the May 9 deadline .
On Friday , it was reported that the Interior Department sent a rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget that addresses the interagency review process but not other parts of the rules that the scientists want repealed , particularly the limits on what kinds of information can be used in determining how to protect the polar bear .
The content of the rule was not released .
The two letters also urge the administration to take a more comprehensive look at how science can better inform decision - making under the Endangered Species Act .
According to the scientists , other recent changes create unrealistic deadlines for scientific consultations and limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects .
"These changes chop down the role of science in governmental decision - making , leaving less than a stump behind .
The loss of science translates into real loss of biodiversity , " said Francesca Grifo , a biodiversity expert and director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Scientific Integrity Program .
"The new rules weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act and make it easier to base decisions on politics instead of science .
In giving the departments the authority to roll back these rules , Congress has given the American People a gift , and the department secretaries need to open it . " |
9_1ecb.xml_39 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 4 | 5 | 18 | 37 | Interior Department | HUM17207518610483662 | Department | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the <m> Interior Department </m> announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the <m> Interior Department </m> announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_44 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 20 | 21 | 117 | 133 | federal agencies | HUM17209496877975579 | agency | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required <m> federal agencies </m> to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required <m> federal agencies </m> to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_46 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 28 | 31 | 168 | 193 | Fish and Wildlife Service | 10000002725 | Wildlife | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the <m> Fish and Wildlife Service </m> or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the <m> Fish and Wildlife Service </m> or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_47 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 34 | 37 | 201 | 234 | National Marine Fisheries Service | 10000002726 | Fisheries | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the <m> National Marine Fisheries Service </m> to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the <m> National Marine Fisheries Service </m> to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_26 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 10 | 11 | 49 | 68 | Bush administration | HUM17209377647266249 | administration | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With just over a month remaining in office , the <m> Bush administration </m> loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | With just over a month remaining in office , the <m> Bush administration </m> loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_45 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 25 | 25 | 150 | 160 | scientists | HUM17209507366594611 | scientist | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with <m> scientists </m> at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with <m> scientists </m> at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_40 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 10 | 16 | 60 | 99 | Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act | NON17207548339630127 | Endangered | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to <m> Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act </m> , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to <m> Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act </m> , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_41 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 49 | 49 | 297 | 304 | species | 10000002727 | specie | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed <m> species </m> . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed <m> species </m> .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_32 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 19 | 19 | 117 | 124 | species | NON17210820571952572 | specie | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal <m> species </m> threatened with extinction . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal <m> species </m> threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_33 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 1 | 1 | 3 | 11 | Thursday | TIM17209521604168567 | Thursday | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On <m> Thursday </m> , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On <m> Thursday </m> , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_22 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 1 | 4 | 5 | 22 | just over a month | 10000002728 | month | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With <m> just over a month </m> remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | With <m> just over a month </m> remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_48 | train | ent | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 42 | 42 | 258 | 265 | project | NON17210710922110328 | project | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a <m> project </m> is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a <m> project </m> is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_35 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 8 | 8 | 50 | 56 | change | ACT18504334525380790 | change | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a <m> change </m> to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a <m> change </m> to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_36 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 23 | 23 | 137 | 144 | consult | 10000002729 | consult | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to <m> consult </m> with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to <m> consult </m> with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_37 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 39 | 39 | 238 | 247 | determine | 10000002730 | determine | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to <m> determine </m> whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to <m> determine </m> whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_38 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 46 | 46 | 279 | 285 | affect | 10000002731 | affect | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to <m> affect </m> any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to <m> affect </m> any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_24 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 12 | 12 | 69 | 77 | loosened | ACT17209471901508198 | loosen | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration <m> loosened </m> federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration <m> loosened </m> federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_27 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 14 | 14 | 86 | 96 | protection | 10000002732 | protection | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal <m> protection </m> of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal <m> protection </m> of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_34 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 1 | On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | 6 | 6 | 38 | 47 | announced | 10000002733 | announce | ['thursday', 'interior', 'department', 'announce', 'change', 'section', '7', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'require', 'federal', 'agency', 'consult', 'scientist', 'fish', 'wildlife', 'service', 'national', 'marine', 'fisheries', 'service', 'determine', 'project', 'likely', 'affect', 'list', 'specie'] | On Thursday , the Interior Department <m> announced </m> a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department <m> announced </m> a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_23 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 5 | 5 | 23 | 32 | remaining | 10000002734 | remain | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With just over a month <m> remaining </m> in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | With just over a month <m> remaining </m> in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_25 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 6 | 7 | 33 | 42 | in office | 10000002735 | office | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With just over a month remaining <m> in office </m> , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | With just over a month remaining <m> in office </m> , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_1ecb.xml_28 | train | evt | 9_1ecb.xml | 0 | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with extinction . | 22 | 22 | 141 | 151 | extinction | 10000002736 | extinction | ['month', 'remain', 'office', 'bush', 'administration', 'loosen', 'federal', 'protection', 'plant', 'animal', 'specie', 'threaten', 'extinction'] | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with <m> extinction </m> . | With just over a month remaining in office , the Bush administration loosened federal protection of plant and animal species threatened with <m> extinction </m> .
On Thursday , the Interior Department announced a change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act , which required federal agencies to consult with scientists at the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether a project is likely to affect any listed species .
Under the new rule , federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration can in many cases simply check with their own personnel to determine if their activities will harm any of the 1,247 animal and 747 plant species listed as endangered or threatened .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne .
It started with the polar bears
The rule change has its origins in a May announcement by the Interior Department that listed the polar bear as threatened because global warming is melting its habitat .
It was the first animal to be listed because of climate change .
In that announcement , Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that even though global climate change is the reason that the bear is on the endangered species list in the first place , that list is `` not the means , nor the method , nor the vehicle by which you can deal with global climate change . ''
The Interior Department 's press release cites a May editorial from the Washington Post that endorses this view:
That Mr. Kempthorne has to contort his agency to ensure that it does n't get dragged into setting US climate policy is simply more proof of the need for such a policy , supported by the White House and ratified by Congress , that aims at sharply reducing greenhouse-gas emissions .
Though the polar bear deserves protection , the Endangered Species Act is not the means and the Fish and Wildlife Service is not the agency to arrest global warming .
The release quotes the second sentence of that paragraph .
So under the new rules , federal agencies that are undertaking a project need not check with Fish and Wildlife or National Marine Fisheries under these circumstances:
Where the action has no effect on a listed species or critical habitat , or
Where the action is wholly beneficial , or
Where the effects of the action can not be measured or detected in a manner that permits meaningful evaluation using the best available science , or
Where the effects of the action are the result of global processes and can not be reliably predicted or measured on the scale of species current range , or would result in an insignificant impact to a listed species , or are such that the potential risk of harm to a species is remote .
Reactions
Environmentalists are less than thrilled by this rule change .
Andrew Wetzler , director of the Natural Resources Defense Council 's Endangered Species Program , says his organization will probably sue:
`` This administration has rejected anything with a whiff of science
so before sulking out the back door , they are going after rules that require Fish and Wildlife Service scientists to prevent harm to our last wild animals and places .
Despite today 's feel-good statements , we remain convinced that these changes are illegal .
We will look at the final language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court . ''
Defenders of the Wildlife , who have filed suit along with Greenpeace and the Center for Biological Diversity , are similarly disgusted by the Bush administration 's actions:
`` This administration 's disdain for wildlife and the environment has never been more clear than it is today , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service .
`` For 35 years , the Endangered Species Act has helped save and recover imperiled wildlife on the brink of extinction .
Now , with this administration facing its last days , they are doing everything they can to cement their anti-environmental legacy before the Obama administration takes office . ''
The US Chamber of Commerce welcomed the rule change .
Reversible ?
Obama says that he intends to reverse the rule change , along with other `` midnight rules '' made in the waning days of the Bush presidency .
But that may be easier said than done .
ProPublica , a nonprofit investigative news organization , notes that while last-minute rules that have not yet taken effect can be quickly reversed by Obama 's appointees or by executive order , rules that are in force when he takes office can not :
Rescinding a rule would require the new administration to restart the rulemaking process , which can take years and prompt legal challenges .
Another strategy that has been talked about lately - getting Congress to disapprove the rules through the Congressional Review Act - carries political risks and has been used only once before .
The new endangered species rule takes effect nine days before Obama 's inauguration .
There is still a chance that the rule could be quickly reversed , however .
USA Today reports that Rep. Nick Rahall ( D ) of West Virginia , the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee , says that he will likely invoke the Congressional Review Act , a rarely used law that gives Congress 60 days to review and overrule regulations issued by government agencies . |
9_6ecb.xml_13 | train | ent | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 8 | 9 | 43 | 62 | Interior Department | HUM17207518610483662 | Department | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the <m> Interior Department </m> on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the <m> Interior Department </m> on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_14 | train | ent | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 16 | 16 | 96 | 107 | regulations | NON17210019876807755 | regulation | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' <m> regulations </m> designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' <m> regulations </m> designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_15 | train | ent | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 21 | 21 | 135 | 143 | projects | NON17210710922110328 | project | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal <m> projects </m> from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal <m> projects </m> from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_16 | train | ent | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 26 | 28 | 166 | 188 | Endangered Species Act | NON17207548339630127 | Endangered | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the <m> Endangered Species Act </m> . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the <m> Endangered Species Act </m> .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_12 | train | ent | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 11 | 11 | 66 | 74 | Thursday | TIM17209521604168567 | Thursday | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on <m> Thursday </m> issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on <m> Thursday </m> issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_11 | train | ent | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 2 | 3 | 10 | 26 | Christmas season | 10000002737 | Christmas | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the <m> Christmas season </m> for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the <m> Christmas season </m> for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_19 | train | evt | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 19 | 19 | 120 | 126 | shield | 10000002738 | shield | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to <m> shield </m> federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to <m> shield </m> federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_20 | train | evt | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 12 | 12 | 75 | 81 | issued | ACT18504334525380790 | issue | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday <m> issued </m> `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday <m> issued </m> `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_21 | train | evt | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Using | 10000002739 | use | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | <m> Using </m> the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
<m> Using </m> the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_17 | train | evt | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 23 | 23 | 149 | 155 | review | ACT17210050647433902 | review | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from <m> review </m> under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from <m> review </m> under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_6ecb.xml_18 | train | evt | 9_6ecb.xml | 5 | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations designed to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | 17 | 17 | 108 | 116 | designed | 10000002740 | design | ['christmas', 'season', 'cover', 'interior', 'department', 'thursday', 'issue', '``', 'revise', 'regulation', 'design', 'shield', 'federal', 'project', 'review', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations <m> designed </m> to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act . | WHEN PLANNING TO widen Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass , state transportation brass , federal agencies and greens wisely opted to cut down on road ( and people ) kill , and to give peace a chance .
The result will be a series of wildlife overpasses and underpasses , and efforts to make Gold Creek a healthy home to the endangered bull trout .
The unspoken trade-off : No lawsuits will hold up or raise costs on work that benefits the economy , and eases the drive to and from Eastern Washington .
Before leaving the political stage , the Bush administration aims to kiss off this kind of modest use of intelligence .
It is , said Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash. , the Bushies ' `` last sour note . ''
Using the Christmas season for cover , the Interior Department on Thursday issued `` revised '' regulations <m> designed </m> to shield federal projects from review under the Endangered Species Act .
`` I 've been waiting and holding my breath for one last awful thing ( Bush ) would do to be remembered by , and he has done it , '' said Rep. Jim McDermott , D-Wash .
The administration ignored comments from 300,000 citizens and adopted a policy that would allow federal agencies to ignore one of the nation 's basic environmental laws .
It would eliminate some requirements for independent review by scientists -- notably from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service -- as agencies plan projects involving timber sales , road construction and oil leases .
New rules would also prohibit federal agencies from assessing how a proposed project would add to global warming or jeopardize species habitat .
`` Nothing in this regulation relieves a federal agency of its responsibilities to ensure that species are not harmed , '' Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne told reporters .
Huh ?
`` If this rule had been implemented in years past , highway builders could have done what they wanted , without talking to the Fish and Wildlife Service .
We would probably not be seeing the improvements on I-90 , '' said Rick McGuire of the Alpine Lakes Protection Society .
`` The I-90 corridor has been a Berlin Wall between the northern Cascades and southern Cascades .
If you do n't make the means to cross a road like this , it 's bad for wildlife .
And it 's bad for people who hit wildlife . ''
Inslee noted the administration 's recent two-step maneuver in the Chukchi Sea off the north coast of Alaska .
The Fish and Wildlife Service formally listed the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act , due to the threat from global warming .
Ignoring the listing , the feds ' Minerals Management Service proceeded to sell oil leases where the bears live .
The Bush administration finalized a retroactive justification on Thursday .
It created a `` special rule '' for polar bears , allowing oil and gas drilling , as long as oil companies obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act .
`` Polar bears do n't need a listing .
They need ice , '' said Inslee .
Inslee noted the role of the late Sen. Henry Jackson , D-Wash. , who backed oil development in the Arctic and helped write the Endangered Species Act .
`` Senator Jackson and others had the foresight and intelligence to say : Let us allow the expertise of government scientists to be tapped before decisions are made , '' Inslee added .
`` That 's what the consultation process does .
It has been used to good effect in our state . ''
Critics of the Endangered Species Act often substitute anecdote for fact .
They 've argued that consultation with government scientists means holdups and more work .
In a filing with the Interior Department , however , the Natural Resources Defense Council noted that no evidence of delay and cost was produced to support relaxing the law .
Quite the contrary .
The new policy nixes informal consultation between agencies intended to determine whether a project needs more formal and detailed environmental review .
The likely result will be `` erroneous findings '' by agencies , argued the NRDC .
What 's the consequence ?
Project opponents will get grounds to sue .
`` We will look at the final ( rule ) language when it is published tomorrow , but I think we will see them in court , '' said Andrew Welzler of the NRDC .
Putting teeth back in the Endangered Species Act , and reversing the new rule , presents a tricky , time-consuming task for the Obama administration .
The makeup of Obama 's environmental team has surfaced in recent days .
It is urban , and largely Eastern .
The incoming Environmental Protection Agency boss , Lisa Jackson , has worked as New Jersey 's environmental commissioner .
Soon-to-be senior White House aide Carol Browner , an Al Gore protagonist , is from Florida .
Obama brass would be well advised to turn for help to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West .
Our government leaders have dealt with tricky issues involving Endangered Species Act listings of Puget Sound salmon runs and orcas .
East Coast environmentalists , in high government posts , proved tone-deaf and clumsy when dealing with endangered species issues in the Clinton and Carter administrations .
What 's needed now is political savvy , plus what George W. Bush , in his 2000 campaign , described as `` sound science . ''
P-I columnist Joel Connelly can be reached at 206-448-8160 or joelconnelly @ seattlepi.com .
Follow politics on the P-I 's blog at blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics . |
9_10ecb.xml_6 | train | ent | 9_10ecb.xml | 0 | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered animals and plants . | 1 | 2 | 4 | 23 | Bush administration | HUM17209377647266249 | administration | ['bush', 'administration', 'reduce', 'protection', 'endanger', 'animal', 'plant'] | The <m> Bush administration </m> is reducing protections for endangered animals and plants . | The <m> Bush administration </m> is reducing protections for endangered animals and plants .
Just six weeks before Democratic President-elect Barack Obama takes office , the current Republican administration is changing endangered species regulations .
Some mandatory , independent reviews that government scientists have performed for 35 years are being eliminated .
The scientists ' advice from such reviews can delay or block dams , highways and other projects .
The new rules will take effect in about 30 days .
The rules also prohibit federal agencies from evaluating the effect on endangered species and the places they live from a project 's contribution to increased global warming .
Obama has promised to reverse the new rules .
Congress also could overturn them . |
9_10ecb.xml_7 | train | ent | 9_10ecb.xml | 0 | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered animals and plants . | 8 | 8 | 63 | 70 | animals | NON17209992481251686 | animal | ['bush', 'administration', 'reduce', 'protection', 'endanger', 'animal', 'plant'] | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered <m> animals </m> and plants . | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered <m> animals </m> and plants .
Just six weeks before Democratic President-elect Barack Obama takes office , the current Republican administration is changing endangered species regulations .
Some mandatory , independent reviews that government scientists have performed for 35 years are being eliminated .
The scientists ' advice from such reviews can delay or block dams , highways and other projects .
The new rules will take effect in about 30 days .
The rules also prohibit federal agencies from evaluating the effect on endangered species and the places they live from a project 's contribution to increased global warming .
Obama has promised to reverse the new rules .
Congress also could overturn them . |
9_10ecb.xml_8 | train | ent | 9_10ecb.xml | 0 | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered animals and plants . | 10 | 10 | 75 | 81 | plants | NON17210007245216344 | plant | ['bush', 'administration', 'reduce', 'protection', 'endanger', 'animal', 'plant'] | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered animals and <m> plants </m> . | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered animals and <m> plants </m> .
Just six weeks before Democratic President-elect Barack Obama takes office , the current Republican administration is changing endangered species regulations .
Some mandatory , independent reviews that government scientists have performed for 35 years are being eliminated .
The scientists ' advice from such reviews can delay or block dams , highways and other projects .
The new rules will take effect in about 30 days .
The rules also prohibit federal agencies from evaluating the effect on endangered species and the places they live from a project 's contribution to increased global warming .
Obama has promised to reverse the new rules .
Congress also could overturn them . |
9_10ecb.xml_9 | train | evt | 9_10ecb.xml | 0 | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered animals and plants . | 4 | 4 | 27 | 35 | reducing | ACT17209471901508198 | reduce | ['bush', 'administration', 'reduce', 'protection', 'endanger', 'animal', 'plant'] | The Bush administration is <m> reducing </m> protections for endangered animals and plants . | The Bush administration is <m> reducing </m> protections for endangered animals and plants .
Just six weeks before Democratic President-elect Barack Obama takes office , the current Republican administration is changing endangered species regulations .
Some mandatory , independent reviews that government scientists have performed for 35 years are being eliminated .
The scientists ' advice from such reviews can delay or block dams , highways and other projects .
The new rules will take effect in about 30 days .
The rules also prohibit federal agencies from evaluating the effect on endangered species and the places they live from a project 's contribution to increased global warming .
Obama has promised to reverse the new rules .
Congress also could overturn them . |
9_10ecb.xml_10 | train | evt | 9_10ecb.xml | 0 | The Bush administration is reducing protections for endangered animals and plants . | 5 | 5 | 36 | 47 | protections | 10000002741 | protection | ['bush', 'administration', 'reduce', 'protection', 'endanger', 'animal', 'plant'] | The Bush administration is reducing <m> protections </m> for endangered animals and plants . | The Bush administration is reducing <m> protections </m> for endangered animals and plants .
Just six weeks before Democratic President-elect Barack Obama takes office , the current Republican administration is changing endangered species regulations .
Some mandatory , independent reviews that government scientists have performed for 35 years are being eliminated .
The scientists ' advice from such reviews can delay or block dams , highways and other projects .
The new rules will take effect in about 30 days .
The rules also prohibit federal agencies from evaluating the effect on endangered species and the places they live from a project 's contribution to increased global warming .
Obama has promised to reverse the new rules .
Congress also could overturn them . |
9_2ecb.xml_32 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 9 | 9 | 67 | 69 | it | HUM17207518610483662 | it | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way <m> it </m> administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way <m> it </m> administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_17 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 1 | 2 | 4 | 23 | Interior Department | HUM17207518610483662 | Department | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The <m> Interior Department </m> yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The <m> Interior Department </m> yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_18 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 18 | 19 | 126 | 145 | government agencies | HUM17209496877975579 | government | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other <m> government agencies </m> to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other <m> government agencies </m> to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_19 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 23 | 23 | 159 | 164 | their | HUM17209496877975579 | their | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on <m> their </m> own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on <m> their </m> own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_21 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 5 | 5 | 44 | 49 | rules | NON17210019876807755 | rule | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized <m> rules </m> changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized <m> rules </m> changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_22 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 12 | 14 | 86 | 108 | Endangered Species Act | NON17207548339630127 | Endangered | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the <m> Endangered Species Act </m> , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the <m> Endangered Species Act </m> , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_23 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 27 | 27 | 179 | 186 | project | NON17210710922110328 | project | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a <m> project </m> would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a <m> project </m> would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_24 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 32 | 32 | 211 | 218 | species | NON17210820571952572 | specie | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled <m> species </m> without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled <m> species </m> without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_20 | train | ent | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 3 | 3 | 24 | 33 | yesterday | 10000002742 | yesterday | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department <m> yesterday </m> finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department <m> yesterday </m> finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_26 | train | evt | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 4 | 4 | 34 | 43 | finalized | 10000002743 | finalize | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday <m> finalized </m> rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday <m> finalized </m> rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_27 | train | evt | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 6 | 6 | 50 | 58 | changing | ACT18504334525380790 | change | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules <m> changing </m> the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules <m> changing </m> the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_28 | train | evt | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 10 | 10 | 70 | 81 | administers | 10000002744 | administer | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it <m> administers </m> the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it <m> administers </m> the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_29 | train | evt | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 29 | 29 | 193 | 197 | harm | ACT17211297480105540 | harm | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would <m> harm </m> an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would <m> harm </m> an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_30 | train | evt | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 16 | 16 | 111 | 119 | enabling | 10000002745 | enable | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , <m> enabling </m> other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , <m> enabling </m> other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_31 | train | evt | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 21 | 21 | 149 | 155 | decide | ACT17211225349916262 | decide | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to <m> decide </m> on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to <m> decide </m> on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_2ecb.xml_33 | train | evt | 9_2ecb.xml | 0 | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent scientific review . | 36 | 37 | 242 | 259 | scientific review | ACT17210050647433902 | scientific | ['interior', 'department', 'yesterday', 'finalize', 'rule', 'change', 'way', 'administer', 'endangered', 'species', 'act', 'enable', 'government', 'agency', 'decide', 'project', 'harm', 'imperiled', 'specie', 'independent', 'scientific', 'review'] | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent <m> scientific review </m> . | The Interior Department yesterday finalized rules changing the way it administers the Endangered Species Act , enabling other government agencies to decide on their own whether a project would harm an imperiled species without an independent <m> scientific review </m> .
Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called the move `` a clarification '' he considered essential in order to narrow the law 's reach .
`` The rule strengthens the regulations so the government can focus on protecting endangered species as it strives to rebuild the American economy , '' Kempthorne said , adding that agencies can bypass a review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration only `` in specific and limited instances where an action is not anticipated to harass , harm or kill a protected species . ''
Dale Hall , who directs the Fish and Wildlife Service , said the change did not mean that agencies could build dams , roads or other projects without taking into account the consequences .
`` The agency still has the full responsibility to make that decision and to defend that decision , '' Hall said , noting that the loss of an imperiled species , known as `` take , '' carries legal penalties .
`` They 're still liable for take , if take occurs . ''
Hall said he was initially concerned about `` the compressed time frame '' in which the agency pushed through the rule change , which was unveiled in August , but he added that he did n't `` see any harm '' in Kempthorne 's final decision .
Interior went ahead with the rule change one day after the Environmental Protection Agency dropped two other controversial rules changes , saying they had come along too late in President Bush 's term. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said the reason was that the administration had `` publicly and clearly stated our intention '' to enact the endangered species measure well before a self-imposed deadline on eleventh-hour rule changes .
The agency received nearly 235,000 comments on the endangered species proposal , at least 208,000 of which were form letters decrying the rule .
Congressional Democrats and environmentalists sharply criticized the administration for the Interior Department action .
`` As the Bush administration fades off into the sunset , it continues to take brazen pot shots at everything in sight , including America 's landmark conservation law , the Endangered Species Act , '' said House Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II ( D-W.Va. ) , who said he would introduce legislation seeking to overturn the rule next year .
Separately yesterday , Interior issued a finding limiting the protections that could be invoked to protect polar bears , which were listed as a threatened species this year , on the grounds that the bears are already protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act .
The finding means that the bears ' protected status could not be used to block activities such as oil and gas development outside their Alaska habitat .
`` We do not believe the science is there to make the causal link between activities in the lower 48 to the take of a polar bear , '' Kempthorne said .
`` To finally admit that the science compels the listing of the polar bear as threatened due to global warming , but then deny it the protections the Endangered Species Act should provide , is nothing other than irresponsible and shameful , '' said Jamie Rappaport Clark , executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife , adding that her group would sue to overturn the rule . |
9_7ecbplus.xml_3 | train | ent | 9_7ecbplus.xml | 1 | Obama administration overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | 1 | 1 | 6 | 20 | administration | HUM17212524027211372 | administration | ['obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'rule', 'weaken', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Obama <m> administration </m> overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | http : / / news . mongabay . com / 2009 / 0428 - hance _ esa . html
Obama <m> administration </m> overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act
April 28 , 2009
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the Obama administration will reverse an Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) regulation that allowed federal agencies to go ahead with actions that may impact endangered species without consulting with experts , essentially circumventing the role of conservation scientists in such decisions .
"By rolling back this eleventh - hour regulation , we are ensuring that threatened and endangered species continue to receive the full protection of the law" said Salazar .
The change to the ESA was made last December by the Bush administration and drew heavy criticism from environmental and conservation groups .
At the time , during heavy campaigning , Obama stated that he opposed the last minute rule changes with a spokesman stating : “ As president , Senator Obama will fight to maintain the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act and undo this proposal from President Bush . ”
Darin Schroeder , Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at the environmental organization , American Bird Conservancy , agreed with Salazar ’ s decision .
“ We are gratified Secretary Salazar and Secretary Locke acted to restore the Endangered Species Act to its intended strength .
The consultation process is one of the cornerstones of the ESA , and one of the key checks and balances that ensures protection for the 90 birds and 1 , 263 other animals and plants it covers . ”
Another anticipated ruling regarding polar bears has not been announced yet .
While the Bush administration found that melting ice in the Arctic due to climate change was endangering polar bears , they ruled that the ESA could not used to regulate carbon emissions in order to protect the polar bear .
Salazar must make a judgment on this rule by May 9th .
“ Secretary Salazar took an important step today toward restoring needed protections for endangered species , ” said Noah Greenwald , biodiversity program director for the Center for Biological Diversity .
“ But he still needs to rescind the special rule for the polar bear , which amounts to a death sentence for the majestic bear because it exempts greenhouse gas emissions from regulation . ” |
9_7ecbplus.xml_17 | train | ent | 9_7ecbplus.xml | 1 | Obama administration overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | 3 | 3 | 31 | 35 | rule | NON17210019876807755 | rule | ['obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'rule', 'weaken', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Obama administration overturns <m> rule </m> that weakened Endangered Species Act | http : / / news . mongabay . com / 2009 / 0428 - hance _ esa . html
Obama administration overturns <m> rule </m> that weakened Endangered Species Act
April 28 , 2009
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the Obama administration will reverse an Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) regulation that allowed federal agencies to go ahead with actions that may impact endangered species without consulting with experts , essentially circumventing the role of conservation scientists in such decisions .
"By rolling back this eleventh - hour regulation , we are ensuring that threatened and endangered species continue to receive the full protection of the law" said Salazar .
The change to the ESA was made last December by the Bush administration and drew heavy criticism from environmental and conservation groups .
At the time , during heavy campaigning , Obama stated that he opposed the last minute rule changes with a spokesman stating : “ As president , Senator Obama will fight to maintain the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act and undo this proposal from President Bush . ”
Darin Schroeder , Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at the environmental organization , American Bird Conservancy , agreed with Salazar ’ s decision .
“ We are gratified Secretary Salazar and Secretary Locke acted to restore the Endangered Species Act to its intended strength .
The consultation process is one of the cornerstones of the ESA , and one of the key checks and balances that ensures protection for the 90 birds and 1 , 263 other animals and plants it covers . ”
Another anticipated ruling regarding polar bears has not been announced yet .
While the Bush administration found that melting ice in the Arctic due to climate change was endangering polar bears , they ruled that the ESA could not used to regulate carbon emissions in order to protect the polar bear .
Salazar must make a judgment on this rule by May 9th .
“ Secretary Salazar took an important step today toward restoring needed protections for endangered species , ” said Noah Greenwald , biodiversity program director for the Center for Biological Diversity .
“ But he still needs to rescind the special rule for the polar bear , which amounts to a death sentence for the majestic bear because it exempts greenhouse gas emissions from regulation . ” |
9_7ecbplus.xml_1 | train | ent | 9_7ecbplus.xml | 1 | Obama administration overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | 6 | 8 | 50 | 72 | Endangered Species Act | NON17207548339630127 | Endangered | ['obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'rule', 'weaken', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Obama administration overturns rule that weakened <m> Endangered Species Act </m> | http : / / news . mongabay . com / 2009 / 0428 - hance _ esa . html
Obama administration overturns rule that weakened <m> Endangered Species Act </m>
April 28 , 2009
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the Obama administration will reverse an Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) regulation that allowed federal agencies to go ahead with actions that may impact endangered species without consulting with experts , essentially circumventing the role of conservation scientists in such decisions .
"By rolling back this eleventh - hour regulation , we are ensuring that threatened and endangered species continue to receive the full protection of the law" said Salazar .
The change to the ESA was made last December by the Bush administration and drew heavy criticism from environmental and conservation groups .
At the time , during heavy campaigning , Obama stated that he opposed the last minute rule changes with a spokesman stating : “ As president , Senator Obama will fight to maintain the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act and undo this proposal from President Bush . ”
Darin Schroeder , Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at the environmental organization , American Bird Conservancy , agreed with Salazar ’ s decision .
“ We are gratified Secretary Salazar and Secretary Locke acted to restore the Endangered Species Act to its intended strength .
The consultation process is one of the cornerstones of the ESA , and one of the key checks and balances that ensures protection for the 90 birds and 1 , 263 other animals and plants it covers . ”
Another anticipated ruling regarding polar bears has not been announced yet .
While the Bush administration found that melting ice in the Arctic due to climate change was endangering polar bears , they ruled that the ESA could not used to regulate carbon emissions in order to protect the polar bear .
Salazar must make a judgment on this rule by May 9th .
“ Secretary Salazar took an important step today toward restoring needed protections for endangered species , ” said Noah Greenwald , biodiversity program director for the Center for Biological Diversity .
“ But he still needs to rescind the special rule for the polar bear , which amounts to a death sentence for the majestic bear because it exempts greenhouse gas emissions from regulation . ” |
9_7ecbplus.xml_42 | train | ent | 9_7ecbplus.xml | 1 | Obama administration overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | 4 | 4 | 36 | 40 | that | NON17210019876807755 | that | ['obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'rule', 'weaken', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Obama administration overturns rule <m> that </m> weakened Endangered Species Act | http : / / news . mongabay . com / 2009 / 0428 - hance _ esa . html
Obama administration overturns rule <m> that </m> weakened Endangered Species Act
April 28 , 2009
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the Obama administration will reverse an Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) regulation that allowed federal agencies to go ahead with actions that may impact endangered species without consulting with experts , essentially circumventing the role of conservation scientists in such decisions .
"By rolling back this eleventh - hour regulation , we are ensuring that threatened and endangered species continue to receive the full protection of the law" said Salazar .
The change to the ESA was made last December by the Bush administration and drew heavy criticism from environmental and conservation groups .
At the time , during heavy campaigning , Obama stated that he opposed the last minute rule changes with a spokesman stating : “ As president , Senator Obama will fight to maintain the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act and undo this proposal from President Bush . ”
Darin Schroeder , Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at the environmental organization , American Bird Conservancy , agreed with Salazar ’ s decision .
“ We are gratified Secretary Salazar and Secretary Locke acted to restore the Endangered Species Act to its intended strength .
The consultation process is one of the cornerstones of the ESA , and one of the key checks and balances that ensures protection for the 90 birds and 1 , 263 other animals and plants it covers . ”
Another anticipated ruling regarding polar bears has not been announced yet .
While the Bush administration found that melting ice in the Arctic due to climate change was endangering polar bears , they ruled that the ESA could not used to regulate carbon emissions in order to protect the polar bear .
Salazar must make a judgment on this rule by May 9th .
“ Secretary Salazar took an important step today toward restoring needed protections for endangered species , ” said Noah Greenwald , biodiversity program director for the Center for Biological Diversity .
“ But he still needs to rescind the special rule for the polar bear , which amounts to a death sentence for the majestic bear because it exempts greenhouse gas emissions from regulation . ” |
9_7ecbplus.xml_23 | train | evt | 9_7ecbplus.xml | 1 | Obama administration overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | 5 | 5 | 41 | 49 | weakened | ACT17226452463773935 | weaken | ['obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'rule', 'weaken', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Obama administration overturns rule that <m> weakened </m> Endangered Species Act | http : / / news . mongabay . com / 2009 / 0428 - hance _ esa . html
Obama administration overturns rule that <m> weakened </m> Endangered Species Act
April 28 , 2009
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the Obama administration will reverse an Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) regulation that allowed federal agencies to go ahead with actions that may impact endangered species without consulting with experts , essentially circumventing the role of conservation scientists in such decisions .
"By rolling back this eleventh - hour regulation , we are ensuring that threatened and endangered species continue to receive the full protection of the law" said Salazar .
The change to the ESA was made last December by the Bush administration and drew heavy criticism from environmental and conservation groups .
At the time , during heavy campaigning , Obama stated that he opposed the last minute rule changes with a spokesman stating : “ As president , Senator Obama will fight to maintain the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act and undo this proposal from President Bush . ”
Darin Schroeder , Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at the environmental organization , American Bird Conservancy , agreed with Salazar ’ s decision .
“ We are gratified Secretary Salazar and Secretary Locke acted to restore the Endangered Species Act to its intended strength .
The consultation process is one of the cornerstones of the ESA , and one of the key checks and balances that ensures protection for the 90 birds and 1 , 263 other animals and plants it covers . ”
Another anticipated ruling regarding polar bears has not been announced yet .
While the Bush administration found that melting ice in the Arctic due to climate change was endangering polar bears , they ruled that the ESA could not used to regulate carbon emissions in order to protect the polar bear .
Salazar must make a judgment on this rule by May 9th .
“ Secretary Salazar took an important step today toward restoring needed protections for endangered species , ” said Noah Greenwald , biodiversity program director for the Center for Biological Diversity .
“ But he still needs to rescind the special rule for the polar bear , which amounts to a death sentence for the majestic bear because it exempts greenhouse gas emissions from regulation . ” |
9_7ecbplus.xml_6 | train | evt | 9_7ecbplus.xml | 1 | Obama administration overturns rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | 2 | 2 | 21 | 30 | overturns | ACT17214300832263768 | overturn | ['obama', 'administration', 'overturn', 'rule', 'weaken', 'endangered', 'species', 'act'] | Obama administration <m> overturns </m> rule that weakened Endangered Species Act | http : / / news . mongabay . com / 2009 / 0428 - hance _ esa . html
Obama administration <m> overturns </m> rule that weakened Endangered Species Act
April 28 , 2009
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today that the Obama administration will reverse an Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) regulation that allowed federal agencies to go ahead with actions that may impact endangered species without consulting with experts , essentially circumventing the role of conservation scientists in such decisions .
"By rolling back this eleventh - hour regulation , we are ensuring that threatened and endangered species continue to receive the full protection of the law" said Salazar .
The change to the ESA was made last December by the Bush administration and drew heavy criticism from environmental and conservation groups .
At the time , during heavy campaigning , Obama stated that he opposed the last minute rule changes with a spokesman stating : “ As president , Senator Obama will fight to maintain the strong protections of the Endangered Species Act and undo this proposal from President Bush . ”
Darin Schroeder , Vice President for Conservation Advocacy at the environmental organization , American Bird Conservancy , agreed with Salazar ’ s decision .
“ We are gratified Secretary Salazar and Secretary Locke acted to restore the Endangered Species Act to its intended strength .
The consultation process is one of the cornerstones of the ESA , and one of the key checks and balances that ensures protection for the 90 birds and 1 , 263 other animals and plants it covers . ”
Another anticipated ruling regarding polar bears has not been announced yet .
While the Bush administration found that melting ice in the Arctic due to climate change was endangering polar bears , they ruled that the ESA could not used to regulate carbon emissions in order to protect the polar bear .
Salazar must make a judgment on this rule by May 9th .
“ Secretary Salazar took an important step today toward restoring needed protections for endangered species , ” said Noah Greenwald , biodiversity program director for the Center for Biological Diversity .
“ But he still needs to rescind the special rule for the polar bear , which amounts to a death sentence for the majestic bear because it exempts greenhouse gas emissions from regulation . ” |
30_7ecbplus.xml_3 | train | ent | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 4 | 4 | 30 | 36 | SEACOM | HUM16978789230607695 | SEACOM | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to information from <m> SEACOM </m> the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to information from <m> SEACOM </m> the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_39 | train | ent | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 16 | 17 | 95 | 103 | in Egypt | LOC28607565594621912 | Egypt | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre <m> in Egypt </m> on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre <m> in Egypt </m> on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_25 | train | ent | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 2 | 2 | 13 | 24 | information | 10000002746 | information | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to <m> information </m> from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to <m> information </m> from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_35 | train | ent | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 15 | 15 | 89 | 94 | fibre | NON17042089870180423 | fibre | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the <m> fibre </m> in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the <m> fibre </m> in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_40 | train | ent | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 20 | 22 | 111 | 128 | SMW4 cable system | 10000002747 | system | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the <m> SMW4 cable system </m> . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the <m> SMW4 cable system </m> .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_20 | train | evt | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 8 | 8 | 52 | 58 | caused | 10000002748 | cause | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to information from SEACOM the outage was <m> caused </m> by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to information from SEACOM the outage was <m> caused </m> by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_14 | train | evt | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 6 | 6 | 41 | 47 | outage | ACT17042122379497712 | outage | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to information from SEACOM the <m> outage </m> was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to information from SEACOM the <m> outage </m> was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_15 | train | evt | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 11 | 12 | 64 | 81 | terrestrial break | ACT17042077747908144 | terrestrial | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a <m> terrestrial break </m> in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a <m> terrestrial break </m> in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_7ecbplus.xml_24 | train | evt | 30_7ecbplus.xml | 6 | According to information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | According to | 10000002749 | accord | ['accord', 'information', 'seacom', 'outage', 'cause', 'terrestrial', 'break', 'fibre', 'egypt', 'smw4', 'cable', 'system'] | <m> According to </m> information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system . | http : / / kim . wits . ac . za / index . php ? module=news&action=viewstory&id=gen11Srv0Nme53 _ 84584 _ 1313485720
BRIEF UNPLANNED SEACOM CABLE INTERNET OUTAGE
16 August 2011
( Tue , 16 Aug 2011 ) This morning one of the Wits Internet Service providers , SEACOM , experienced an outage affecting International Internet browsing .
The service is now back online .
TENET will continue to monitor and ensure that it is stable however , but from the looks of things traffic should now be flowing normally again .
<m> According to </m> information from SEACOM the outage was caused by a terrestrial break in the fibre in Egypt on the SMW4 cable system .
Once we have official confirmation / an incident report we will send more information .
Always at your service . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_47 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 4 | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable . | 16 | 16 | 119 | 125 | SEACOM | HUM16978789230607695 | SEACOM | ['numerous', 'broadband', 'user', 'complain', 'international', 'connectivity', 'problem', 'morning', 'cause', 'problem', 'seacom', 'cable'] | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the <m> SEACOM </m> cable . | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the <m> SEACOM </m> cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_1 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 2 | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | 6 | 6 | 43 | 49 | SEACOM | HUM16978789230607695 | SEACOM | ['seacom', 'experience', 'downtime', 'morning', 'seacom', 'explain', 'downtime', 'likely', 'cause', 'problem', 'sea', '4'] | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; <m> SEACOM </m> explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; <m> SEACOM </m> explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_37 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 4 | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable . | 1 | 2 | 9 | 24 | broadband users | HUM17038172884679499 | broadband | ['numerous', 'broadband', 'user', 'complain', 'international', 'connectivity', 'problem', 'morning', 'cause', 'problem', 'seacom', 'cable'] | Numerous <m> broadband users </m> complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable . | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous <m> broadband users </m> complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_46 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 4 | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable . | 17 | 17 | 126 | 131 | cable | NON17042089870180423 | cable | ['numerous', 'broadband', 'user', 'complain', 'international', 'connectivity', 'problem', 'morning', 'cause', 'problem', 'seacom', 'cable'] | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM <m> cable </m> . | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM <m> cable </m> .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_36 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 2 | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | 18 | 24 | 114 | 132 | on SEA - ME - WE 4 | NON17042089870180423 | SEA | ['seacom', 'experience', 'downtime', 'morning', 'seacom', 'explain', 'downtime', 'likely', 'cause', 'problem', 'sea', '4'] | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem <m> on SEA - ME - WE 4 </m> | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem <m> on SEA - ME - WE 4 </m>
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_59 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 4 | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable . | 8 | 9 | 78 | 90 | this morning | TIM28607241157742528 | morning | ['numerous', 'broadband', 'user', 'complain', 'international', 'connectivity', 'problem', 'morning', 'cause', 'problem', 'seacom', 'cable'] | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems <m> this morning </m> , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable . | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems <m> this morning </m> , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_60 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 1 | SEACOM downtime explained | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | SEACOM | HUM16978789230607695 | SEACOM | ['seacom', 'downtime', 'explain'] | <m> SEACOM </m> downtime explained | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
<m> SEACOM </m> downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_61 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 2 | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | SEACOM | HUM16978789230607695 | SEACOM | ['seacom', 'experience', 'downtime', 'morning', 'seacom', 'explain', 'downtime', 'likely', 'cause', 'problem', 'sea', '4'] | <m> SEACOM </m> experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
<m> SEACOM </m> experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_62 | train | ent | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 2 | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | 3 | 4 | 28 | 40 | this morning | TIM28607241157742528 | morning | ['seacom', 'experience', 'downtime', 'morning', 'seacom', 'explain', 'downtime', 'likely', 'cause', 'problem', 'sea', '4'] | SEACOM experienced downtime <m> this morning </m> ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime <m> this morning </m> ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_34 | train | evt | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 2 | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | 14 | 14 | 94 | 100 | caused | 10000002750 | cause | ['seacom', 'experience', 'downtime', 'morning', 'seacom', 'explain', 'downtime', 'likely', 'cause', 'problem', 'sea', '4'] | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely <m> caused </m> by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely <m> caused </m> by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_35 | train | evt | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 4 | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable . | 11 | 11 | 93 | 99 | caused | 10000002751 | cause | ['numerous', 'broadband', 'user', 'complain', 'international', 'connectivity', 'problem', 'morning', 'cause', 'problem', 'seacom', 'cable'] | Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , <m> caused </m> by problems on the SEACOM cable . | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , <m> caused </m> by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_9 | train | evt | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 1 | SEACOM downtime explained | 2 | 2 | 16 | 25 | explained | 10000002752 | explain | ['seacom', 'downtime', 'explain'] | SEACOM downtime <m> explained </m> | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime <m> explained </m>
SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_10 | train | evt | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 2 | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 18 | experienced | 10000002753 | experience | ['seacom', 'experience', 'downtime', 'morning', 'seacom', 'explain', 'downtime', 'likely', 'cause', 'problem', 'sea', '4'] | SEACOM <m> experienced </m> downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM <m> experienced </m> downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |
30_6ecbplus.xml_11 | train | evt | 30_6ecbplus.xml | 2 | SEACOM experienced downtime this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | 2 | 2 | 19 | 27 | downtime | ACT17042122379497712 | downtime | ['seacom', 'experience', 'downtime', 'morning', 'seacom', 'explain', 'downtime', 'likely', 'cause', 'problem', 'sea', '4'] | SEACOM experienced <m> downtime </m> this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4 | http : / / mybroadband . co . za / news / telecoms / 31714 - seacom - downtime - explained . html
SEACOM downtime explained
SEACOM experienced <m> downtime </m> this morning ; SEACOM explained that the downtime was most likely caused by a problem on SEA - ME - WE 4
August 16 , 2011
Numerous broadband users complained about international connectivity problems this morning , caused by problems on the SEACOM cable .
SEACOM confirmed the problems on their Twitter account .
"We can confirm that SEACOM is currently experiencing problems on their network .
We will keep you updated on progress , " SEACOM tweeted at 09 : 30 this morning ( Tuesday 16 August 2011 ) .
According to SEACOM's Suveer Ramdhani initial feedback points to a problem on the SEA - ME - WE 4 which caused downtime of around an hour on Tuesday .
The downtime started at around 08 : 30 on Tuesday , and was resolved at approximately 09 : 40 .
"SEACOM's partner network experienced a terrestrial fibre cut between Alexandria and the Suez this morning 16th August from 06 : 31GMT .
All links are back up as of 07 : 35GMT .
Total downtime was 1hr 4 mins , " SEACOM said in an official statement .
MWEB CEO Rudi Jansen said that their business clients experienced no service interruptions because of the SEACOM downtime , and that their residential clients may have experienced some slow international connectivity .
MWEB has automatic failover on SAT - 3 in the event of SEACOM outages to minimize the impact on their subscribers . |