Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Editorials / Opinion


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published August 20, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified August 20, 2008 at 3:01 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Editorial

A regulatory scam

Challenge the Bush administration's last-minute assault on the Endangered Species Act

For eight years, President George Bush tried to evade the Endangered Species Act. Congress blocked every attempt, so the White House is trying a desperate trick play late in the game.

Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced administrative changes that would let federal agencies be the arbiter of those pesky rules designed to protect plants and animals. Imagine how this truly bad idea is supposed to work.

Instead of seeking out independent scientific opinion or even informal consultations, the agencies responsible for construction, review or funding a project would ask themselves if such technical scrutiny was really necessary.

Federal agencies would also be forbidden from assessing a project's emissions and their role in global warming and the subsequent hazards to species and habitats, according to draft rules first reported by The Associated Press.

Kempthorne argued the changes were necessary because existing regulations create unnecessary conflicts and delays. One can say that about virtually any regulation for public health, workplace protections, financial security or preservation of endangered species.

Expediency is no virtue in protecting plants and animals or understanding the complexities of global climate change.

This last-minute gambit with rule making as the administration heads out the door must be challenged and stopped.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law

Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: New York trial a propaganda coup for terrrorists

Advertising

Video

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy with penalty kicks after 120 minutes of play at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

Advertising