Conservationists Commend President’s Efforts to Boost the Role of Science in Federal Decisions
News for Immediate Release
March 3, 2009
Contact:
Conservationists Commend President’s Efforts to Boost the Role of Science in Federal Decisions
Announcement that agencies will consult with scientists when considering fate of fish and wildlife could have widespread benefits
In remarks delivered today at the Department of the Interior, President Obama announced a rule change that would mandate federal agencies to consult with scientists at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service about whether proposed development projects would harm threatened wildlife.
“Political and economic forces too often trump science in the federal decision making process,” said Dr. Terry Riley, TRCP vice president for policy and a former federal and state wildlife biologist. “Unfortunately,we can look to a host of needlessly diminished fish and wildlife populations as the result. The changes announced by the president today will go a long way toward ensuring that damage to these populations is avoided when possible and properly mitigated when necessary.”
“Sportsmen have long known how vital it is to have the best available science on hand and given proper weight when making fish- and wildlife-related policy decisions,” said TRCP President and CEO George Cooper. “Today’s announcement by President Obama is encouraging because it points to a natural resources management approach emphasizing science that would be supported by a broad spectrum of the American conservation community.”
“Although the most direct implications of the president’s statements are to the administration of the Endangered Species Act, the true implications of restoring the primacy of science in federal decisions about fish and wildlife could reach far beyond,” said Dr. Riley. “It is our hope that those making decisions about whether and how to develop our public lands and waters, to cite a prime example, take close note of the president’s guidance.”
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing.
Return to press releases.
Return to TRCP home.
 |
 |
 |
