Monday, February 14, 2005
Why Bush drives environmentalists insane
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to reintroduce the northern aplomado falcon to southern New Mexico, but environmentalists say the move plays into the hands of oil and gas developers.
Beginning this summer, the agency and the Idaho-based Peregrine Fund want to reintroduce up to 150 birds a year for the next decade.
The Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledges that designating the bird as a non-essential experimental population will change its status in New Mexico from endangered to only threatened.
But the agency says experience shows that's the fastest way to get the falcon back to New Mexico.
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation and the Forest Guardians say the move weakens legal protection for the falcon and its habitat, which includes parts of Otero Mesa.
Protecting the aplomado falcon's habitat on Otero Mesa has been a key argument used by groups opposed to oil and gas development in the area.
"By not having to designate critical habitat for the aplomado falcon, it gives them (oil and gas developers) the green light to drill wherever they want to," said Oscar Simpson, president of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.
Now, I generally support oil and gas development. I also have no idea whether developing the oil and gas assets of the Otero Mesa is a good idea on balance. I admit I don't know whether the Fish & Wildlife Service is reintroducing the falcon in southern New Mexico because it is a genuinely good idea that is long overdue, or because it is trying to remove an obstacle to oil and gas development. But I like falcons, and making the northern aplomado falcon less endangered in return for some oil and gas development seems like a good trade. The environmentalists would like it as well if they actually cared about the falcon population. Unfortunately, all they really care about is stopping the development of oil and gas, and the preservation of legal arguments that will help them do it is far more important than the preservation of falcons.
2 Comments:
By 
Gordon Smith, at
Mon Feb 14, 09:15:00 AM:
Bush drives we environmentalists crazy on so many levels, Jack. His/His Administration's willingness to persisntently push for drilling while cloaking it in enviro friendly terms is just one.
Clear Skies and Healthy Forests Acts highlight Bush's willingness to obfuscate/lie.
Cutting funding for EPA.
Ignoring science that doesn't match his ideology.
Taking risks with the future when a conservative approach would be more appropriate. That is, if the river may rise, go ahead and prepare for it. Then, if it doesn't, no harm.
Bush doesn't just drive environmentalists crazy, he terrifies us with his willingness to ignore science, support pollution, and endanger the health and well-being of every American.
By Fire, at
Mon Feb 14, 04:47:00 PM:
The Left loves to have it both ways. This isn't the first time they've tried to pull this crap.
They love their animals and clearly your article points to the opposite.
I think the left clearly makes it obvious that they can't have a position or make a stand on anything.
Be it animal rights, environmental causes, terrorism/immigration reform, voter fraud, or sound energy policies/technologies. What the hell do they stand for then? (I mean besides laughing stocks).
