The Endangered Species Act (ESA) passed by the United State Congress in 1973 for the protection of endangered animals and their habitats was attacked in 2004 by the Bush’s administration. They act was untouched since 1982. In December 2008, the Bush administration changed this longstanding practice under the Endangered Species Act by issuing rules that allowed agencies to move ahead with projects and programs without seeking an independent review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Obama Administration’s policy on ESA is to restore rules obliging U.S. agencies consultation with independent federal experts to determine if their actions might have harmed and threatened endangered species. By March 2009, Obama had signed the memorandum to help restore the scientific process to its rightful place in the working of the Endangered Species Act and the selection of candidate species. By reversing Bush's attempt to deregulate the consultation process, Obama restored oversight and balance, therefore, endangered species have now a chance to survive.
References:
New York Time. Greenwire. September 9, 2009 Obama Admin Confronts 'Candidate Species' Backlog http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/09/08/08greenwire-obama-admin-confronts-candidate-species-backlo-22609.html?scp=3&sq=obama%20Endangered%20Species%20Act&st=cse
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/endangered/factsheets/history_ESA.pdf
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