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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Scientists Gather to Speak Out on Political Manipulation

Two dozen scientists came from around the country to Washington this week to protest political meddling in decisions on endangered species protections, according to The Washington Post:

The scientists say political appointees at [the Department of] Interior, or those who report to them, have been altering their reports recommending "critical habitat" preservation to favor industries whose interests conflict with the findings.

The group of scientists, organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Endangered Species Coalition, caught the ears of staffers for more than 20 legislators and Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary for Interior.

Political manipulation of endangered species decisions has stayed in the news ever since an Inspector General report found a former Interior official, Julie MacDonald, had leaked documents to industry lobbyists and overruled scientific opinions on several endangered species listings. Since then, Interior reviewed eight decisions MacDonald was involved in and will revise seven.

The controversy over endangered species listings has flared up again as Interior is delaying a decision on whether to protect the polar bear. The polar bear's habitat is threatened by melting sea ice. The species would be the first to receive protection as a result of a symptom of global warming.

The New York Times published an edictorial yesterday speculating as to the Bush administration's motivations for delaying the decision. The Times argues a delay in the decision will be a windfall for the oil and gas industry.