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Two polar bears in the distance. [Photo Credit:
Steve Hillebrand, USFWS] |
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne
announced on May 14, 2008 that he is accepting the recommendation of U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall to list the polar bear as a threatened
species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The listing is based
on the best available science, which shows that loss of sea ice threatens and
will likely continue to threaten polar bear habitat. This loss of
habitat puts polar bears at risk of becoming endangered in the foreseeable
future, the standard established by the ESA for designating a threatened
species.
In making the announcement, Kempthorne said, “I am also announcing
that this listing decision will be accompanied by administrative guidance
and a rule that defines the scope of impact my decision will have, in order
to protect the polar bear while limiting the unintended harm to the society
and economy of the United States.”
Kempthorne further stated, “While the legal standards under the ESA compel
me to list the polar bear as threatened, I want to make clear that this listing
will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting. Any
real solution requires action by all major economies for it to be effective. That
is why I am taking administrative and regulatory action to make certain the
ESA isn’t abused to make global warming policies.”
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Polar bear female and cubs. [Photo Credit: Steven Amstrup, USGS] |
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Polar bear resting, yet alert. [Photo Credit: Susanne Miller,USFWS] |
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