50 CFR Part 402.

In case anyone forgot, the U.S. Department of the Interior and Department of Commerce have jointly issued a new proposed set of regulations related to the Endangered Species Act. The deadline for commenting on these regulations is September 15th. I recommend anyone who cares visit the appropriate site and leave a comment.  To find the appropriate site, follow these instructions:

Here's how you get your comments read: 

• Go to www.regulations.gov and use the search terms: "50 CFR Part 402 proposed rule."   
  
• The proposed changes are in Document # EB - 18938 
  
• To see the proposed changes, click on "View this document."  
  
• Click on "Send a comment or submission" to write your comment. 
  

This is what I said:

The proposed rules appear to drastically limit the ability of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and preserve threatened and endangered species. I frequently work with agency personnel from federal agencies not associated with the US FWS. Because those agencies have mandates to perform other services, they are unwilling or unable to adequately assess or mitigate impacts to threatened and endangered species. The U.S. FWS has been an advocate for those species on behalf of an increasingly disillusioned public who is consistently in favor of preserving these species. Eliminating or reducing their already limited influence is unnecessary and offensive. From popular press articles it seems clear that this action is in direct response to the listing of the polar bear. Please do not throw out the good aspects of the E.S.A. just to circumvent dealing with a small number of difficult species. I implore the agencies involved to reconsider these proposed changes in light of their statutory mandates and the definite negative effects they will have on the unique fauna native to the United States.