In its final days, the Bush administration changed the Endangered Species Act to allow federal agencies to decide for themselves how much their own projects (such as roads, dams, and mines) would impact imperiled species. This allowed agencies, often lacking their own adequate scientific expertise, to no longer consult expert biologists in making key decisions.

The Interior and Commerce Departments have the opportunity to roll back these flawed changes, but they must do it by May 9. Please urge both department secretaries to restore the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act:

https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1954

"Dear Secretary,

I am writing to urge you to roll back the Bush administration rule changes that weaken the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act. 

The rules in question allow any federal agency to decide for itself whether protected species would be threatened by its projects. Previously, when a federal agency considered a project, such as a highway, dam, or mine, it was required to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service. The rules also sharply limit the types of information federal scientists can consider when evaluating federal projects. 

Many government agencies do not have the scientific expertise to determine the consequences of federal projects for endangered species, and may have vested interests in the implementation of a project. Consultations have, for decades, served as important checks and balances to keep our nation's biodiversity safe."

https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1954