Bid to Undo Bush Memo on Threats to Species

Bid to Undo Bush Memo on Threats to Species

www.nytimes.com

A few weeks before he left office, President George W. Bush told federal officials that, in effect, they did not have to bother getting the advice of wildlife experts before taking actions that might harm plants or animals protected by the Endangered Species Act.

On Tuesday, President Obama said that, in effect, they did.

...Until the review is complete, Mr. Obama’s memorandum says, agencies must return to the former practice of seeking and acting on scientific advice.

In brief remarks, the president said he had signed the memorandum to “help restore the scientific process to its rightful place” in the working of the Endangered Species Act.

“We should be looking for ways to improve it, not weaken it,” Mr. Obama said of the act, according to a pool report. The president said it was “false” to say people must choose between economic growth and environmental protection.

(visit the link for the full news article)

Mod Edit: Please Use Exact Headline: Instructions for the Breaking News Forums

[edit on 3/4/2009 by semperfortis]

Obama says it is " “false” to say people must choose between economic growth and environmental protection."

I agree. If we can't find a way to meet BOTH needs, we're dead in the water.

For almost a decade, the Bush government prioritized protecting and nurturing "the economy" over protecting and nurturing people and the planet.

Look where that priority got us.

As if "the economy" could even exist without people and a healthy planet.

.

www.nytimes.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

[edit on 3/4/2009 by semperfortis]

The contrast between your previous president to this one is unbelievable, almost as if you guys have gone from having a "special needs" kindergartener in the oval office, to a renowned scholar in one fell swoop.
Congratulations. Not that I think he is going to excel in all areas, but some very positive moves so far.