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May 14, 2008
Chamber Supports Sound Science in Polar Bear Decision
Says Endangered Species Act Not Meant to Address Climate Change
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today applauded the decision by Department of Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to list the polar bear as threatened while also clearly recognizing that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was never meant to address climate change.
"We must safeguard our environment while also protecting our economy," said Bill Kovacs, the U.S. Chamber's Vice President of Environmental Affairs. "Today's decision will protect the polar bear while also protecting American jobs and businesses."
The ruling considers that while the global polar bear population is on the rise-currently between 20,000 and 25,000, up from 8,000 to 10,000 in the 1960s-the threat to its habitat should still be addressed.
"We congratulate Secretary Kempthorne for applying sound science in reaching this decision," Kovacs continued. The Chamber noted that by issuing a "special rule" the Department of Interior does not have to impose the consultation process on all carbon emitting acts in the lower 48 states.
"Imposing the consultation process would have literally shut down federal activity in the lower 48 states until it was complete," he said. "This would put a stop to the government doing everything from building highways to approving new power plants."
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
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