It's official: Polar bears to be protected species
WASHINGTON (AP) - May 14, 2008 Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne cited dramatic declines in
sea ice over the last three decades and projections of continued
losses. These declines, he told a news conference, mean the polar
bear is a species likely to be in danger of extinction in the near
future.
Kempthorne also said, though, that it would be "inappropriate"
to use the protection of the bear to reduce greenhouse gases, or to
broadly address climate change.
Reflecting views recently expressed by President Bush,
Kempthorne said the Endangered Species Act was "never meant to
regulate global climate change."
He said the decision to list the bear includes administrative
actions aimed at limiting the impact of the decision on energy
development and other climate related activities.
"This listing will not stop global climate change or prevent
any sea ice from melting," said Kempthorne. He said he had
consulted with the White House on the decision, but "at no time
was there ever a suggestion that this was not my decision."
Kempthorne cited as support for his decision conclusions by the
department's scientists that sea ice loss will likely result in
two-thirds of the polar bears disappearing by mid-century.
Notwithstanding the secretary's disclaimers, this is the first
time the Endangered Species Act has been used to protect a species
threatened by the impacts of global warming. There has been concern
within the business community that such an action could have
far-reaching impact and could be used to regulate carbon dioxide.
Kempthorne proposed 15 months ago to investigate whether the
polar bear should be declared threatened under the Endangered
Species Act.
That triggered a year of studies into the threats facing the
bear and its survival prospects at a time when scientists predict a
continuing warming and loss of Arctic sea ice. The Arctic sea ice
serves as a primary habitat for the bear and is critical to its
survival, scientists say.
"The science is absolutely clear that polar bear needs
protection under the Endangered Species Act," said Andrew Wetzler,
director of the endangered species program at the Natural Resources
Defense Council.
A decision had been expected early this year, but the Interior
Department said it needed more time to work out many of the
details, prompting criticism from members of Congress and
environmentalists. Environmentalists filed a lawsuit aimed at
forcing a decision and a federal court on April 29 set a May 15
deadline for a decision.