The economic impact will not be considered for plant and animal protections.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced proposed new rules Wednesday that would no longer consider economic implications when deciding if animals and plants need protection. The rules would expand requirements for federal agencies to consult the wildlife service or the National Marine Fisheries Service before they could take any action that could have an impact on endangered or threatened species.
Fish and Wildlife Services Director Martha Williams said the changes “affirm our commitment to conserving America’s wildlife and ensuring the Endangered Species Act works for both species and people.”
The proposed rules are under public comment provisions, and have received negative feedback from some in Congress. House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman from Arkansas said, “These proposed rules take us in the wrong direction and are entirely unnecessary given the proven track record of success from private conservationists and state and local land managers.”
The 1973 Endangered Species Act currently protects more than 1,600 species in the U.S. and its territories.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Director Martha Williams as she heads the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- For Representative Westerman as he chairs the natural resource committee.
- For Interior Department officials as they seek to protect endangered species.
Sources: The Hill, NY Times
