WASHINGTON (VIA Yahoo) – President Barack Obama announced plans Tuesday to resume full scientific reviews of projects that might harm endangered wildlife and plants. "For more than three decades, the Endangered Species Act has successfully protected our nation's most threatened wildlife. We should be looking for ways to improve it, not weaken it," Obama said.
Obama's action puts the Bush regulation that allowed federal agencies to decide for themselves whether projects such as dams and power plants posed risks to endangered species or the places they live on hold until the Interior and Commerce departments complete a review.
These changes, which were completed in a relatively short time, were described at the time by the Bush administration as minor. But Democrats and environmentalists have argued that the regulations overhauled long-standing policy.
Rahall is pushing to overturn the rule through a congressional resolution. There is also a provision tucked into the $410 billion spending bill the House passed last week that would allow the Interior and Commerce secretaries to withdraw regulations.
But Obama, in announcing his decision, said that economic recovery and protecting the environment are not at odds with one another.
"We can grow our economy today," Obama said, "and preserve the environment for ourselves and our children and our grandchildren."