Parts of the Endangered Species Act may soon be extinct. The Bush administration wants federal agencies to decide for themselves whether highways, dams, mines and other construction projects might harm endangered animals and plants.
New regulations, which don’t require the approval of Congress, would reduce the mandatory, independent reviews government scientists have been performing for 35 years, according to a draft obtained by The Associated Press.
The draft rules also would bar federal agencies from assessing the emissions from projects that contribute to global warming and its effect on species and habitats.
If approved, the changes would represent the biggest overhaul of the Endangered Species Act since 1988. They would accomplish through regulations what conservative Republicans have been unable to achieve in Congress: ending some environmental reviews that developers and other federal agencies blame for delays and cost increases on many projects.
The changes would apply to any project a federal agency would fund, build or authorize. Government wildlife experts currently perform tens of thousands of such reviews each year.
SUMMARY AS OF:
4/26/2007–Passed House without amendment.
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Amends the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to: (1) prohibit the sale or transfer of any free-roaming horse or burro or its remains on U.S. public lands for consideration for processing into commercial products; and (2) repeal provisions permitting the sale of certain excess animals or their remains and excluding from criminal fine or imprisonment a person who processes or permits the processing of such animals’ remains.
House of Representatives from Arizona voted this way:
Nay
AZ-1
Nay
AZ-2
Nay
AZ-3
Aye
AZ-4
Aye
AZ-5
Nay
AZ-6
Aye
AZ-7
Aye
AZ-8
Hacienda de Los Milagros Q & A Sheet
Q: What’s the difference between a “burro,” a “donkey,” and an “ass?”
A: “Burro” and “donkey” are two names for the same animal; here in the Southwest, we usually call them burros, but either is correct. “Ass” is also correct, but is usually used to refer to various wild asses still roaming in some parts of the world.
Q: May I go in and pet the burros?
A: Yes and no: this is their home, not a petting zoo. You may enter a pen if one of our staff is available to go with you and answer your questions. If no one is available, please wait until one of us is able to accompany you.
Q: How did these burros come to HDLM?
A: A few came directly from the wild, via the adoption program administered by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). Many were adopted and then, for varying reasons, the owners changed their minds. Some came through the livestock auction, and some were brought here by owners no longer able to care for them, due to changes in the owners’ circumstances. Over the years, 35 came from Death Valley National Park, where they were being evicted.
Q: If someone has a horse or burro they can’t keep, can they bring it to HDLM?
A: At present, we regret that we lack the room and resources to take in additional residents. We can try to help an owner find other placements if possible.
Q: I would like to help; what can I do?
A: We need money to provide feed and care for the animals here. Please donate whatever you can—and tell your friends about us!
Q: Is there more I can do, besides contribute money?
A: As you can imagine, caring for so many large animals is a daunting task! The residents at HDLM require care and feeding 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is plenty of work to go around, and if you would like to help, volunteer opportunities abound—please ask!
Q: What if I just drop off hay and feed when I can; won’t that help?
A: Not as much as you might think. Our residents have particular nutritional needs, which we know how to meet. The feed you bring may not be appropriate for them. For instance, alfalfa hay is not good for burros, or for many horses. We feed bermuda hay: if someone gives us alfalfa, we can’t use it. The same is true for grain and many bag feeds. If you would like to help by providing hay and feed, please ask first, to make sure your gift is something our animals can use.
Q: How can I find out more about HDLM and ways to help the animals here?
A: Please visit our website, below. There, you can get more information, find out where to get merchandise, even how you or your group can sponsor a burro or a horse!
Thanks so much for your interest in Hacienda de Los Milagros, Home of the Miracles. Please tell your friends, and come back to see us again!
Thank You for visiting our blog. Due recent decisions by Foundations to withdraw their monetary support we have an urgent need for cash contributions. Yes, the economy slowdown has hurt the ability of Foundations to use their interest money to help rescue sanctuaries like Hacienda de los Milagros.
Please visit our web site page for Contributions. Any amount will help us.
Thanks
