May of Reckoning

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Polar-bear listing decision must be made by May 15, says judge

Posted at 9:55 AM on 29 Apr 2008

The last time we checked in with the laggardly Interior Department, it was saying it needed until June 30 to decide whether to place polar bears on the endangered-species list. But the department had better find its Decider Pants soon, as a federal judge has sided with green groups to impose a new deadline of May 15. "Other than the general complexity of finalizing the rule, defendants offer no specific facts that would justify the delay [from the original deadline of Jan. 9], much less further delay," wrote U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken. The department proposed in Dec. 2006 that polar bears be listed as threatened, though what weight that will have on the final decision is questionable.

source: Associated Press

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Comments: (4 comments)

You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have a Gristmill account, log in below. If you don't have a Gristmill account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five.

"victory"?

The Cheney-sock-puppet Interior Department have defied earlier orders to obey a deadline. In this case, they probably think that on balance they won.

And what is the next play by Greenpeace and allies, if the Interior Department actually pronounces on May 15 that after all, the evidence turns out not to be strong enough that the polar bear should be listed?

Chickens deserve our true friendship! So do fish! So do other sentient beings! Let us learn to be kind.

by caniscandida at 7:34 AM on 30 Apr 2008

Sue The Bastards!

Interior can be sued over the decision, based on whether the findings on which it was based were adequate and/or whether the decision reasonably follows from those findings.

by Wolverine at 6:09 PM on 30 Apr 2008

The Way of the Dragon

I'm sure Big Oil will assist with this fight. It's in their best interest to do so. Polar Bears, Carribou, Bald Eagles, Seals...you name it, they all stand in the way of oil. Actually, I'm kinda bored hanging out with T-Rex, the Red Crested Fox Eagle and the Phoenix. I could use more company. Send the Polar Bear my way. Seriously...what does he do for humans? Same could be said for the others. They don't really have any positive impact for gas guzzling humans. I say get rid of 'em! Anyway, tell Polar Bear best of luck..I'll see him soon. -Dragon

by Dragon at 12:02 PM on 08 May 2008

Disappointment

As an black, female, american conservationist, environmentalist and bleeding heart liberal, I am truly disappointed. I have often remarked at how economics and disenfranchisment have kept the african-american population from becoming involved in environmental issues. In fact, its one of my goals to start an organization to take minority youth hiking and backpacking to create a love for our planet. Its so disappointing that this group is being used as Exxon-Mobil's pawn and Hannity-- (like Kanye West said about GW) when did he ever care about black people! This is a similar tactic-- when the conservatives exploited black religious homophobia-- that caused them to vote for GW in 04. I wish I could send them the Grist!

Namas te'

by Bhaktini at 3:32 AM on 13 May 2008

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