New Regulations Weaken Endangered Species Act, Threaten Wildlife

Wildlife Scientists Cut Out of the Loop on Pesticide Use Decisions

(07/29/2004) - WASHINGTON , DC – The Bush administration has finalized new regulations that cut wildlife agencies out of the loop on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decisions regarding pesticide use, a move that undermines the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and threatens endangered species. The regulations eliminate the current requirement that the EPA consult with federal fish and wildlife agencies to access the effect of new pesticide use on endangered wildlife prior to approval, this despite the EPA’s dismal record of protecting species from harmful effects of pesticides.

 "The President’s policy jeopardizes human health and endangered wildlife by allowing more potentially dangerous chemicals to be pumped into the environment without proper review," said Defenders of Wildlife president Rodger Schlickeisen.   "It is another example of Americans paying the price as the President bows to the wishes of big corporations."  

 Many pesticides pose a distinct threat to endangered species.  The pesticide DDT was largely responsible for the decline of the American bald eagle, before the Endangered Species Act and pesticide control laws halted the species march toward extinction.   

"The EPA’s record on this issue is atrocious. The EPA did not properly complete a single consultation into the effects of pesticides on endangered species for more than a decade until forced to do so by the courts.  Instead of upholding the law, the President has chosen to let EPA off the hook, leaving future generations to pay the price for his short-sightedness,” said Schlickeisen.

Schlickeisen also placed today’s action in the broader context of the Bush administration’s campaign against the Endangered Species Act. 

“The President has jumped at every opportunity to weaken the protections of the Endangered Species Act.  From pesticide use to forest management, the President has cut wildlife experts out of the loop and turned his back on science, placing in harm’s way many species at the brink of extinction,” added Schlickeisen. 

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Defenders of Wildlife is one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and habitat, and was named as one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders is an effective voice for wildlife and habitat. To learn more about Defenders of Wildlife, please visit www.defenders.org.

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Contact(s):

William Lutz, (202) 772-0269