The Endangered Species Act

The Endangered Species Act, the one that has been credited with the comeback of the American alligator, the grey whale, and the bald eagle, is under attack.  Former California congressman Richard Pombo, now a lobbyist for mining and and water companies, says “It’s probably the best chance that we have had in 25 years to actually make any substantial changes.”

The changes he is talking about would weaken the law to make it ineffective.  Groups who favor the changes include oil companies, ranchers, and real-estate developers.  

At one time the environmental movement was bipartisan.  Remember?  The E.P.A. was formed during the Nixon Administration.  

Now the Republicans in Congress are interested in in short term payoffs and in campaign contributions.  And they want to accomplish the gutting of the Endangered Species Act before the November elections.