Perverting science for politics

[BigV]

Just kidding! More of the same!

Just three days after the decision to deny endangered species protection to the fluvial grayling, Julie MacDonald, assistant secretary for fish and wildlife in the Department of the Interior, was forced to resign after an investigation concluded that she rode roughshod over numerous decisions by agency scientists concerning protection of the nation's endangered species.

The report also found that MacDonald violated federal rules by sending internal documents to industry lobbyists with ChevronTexaco, the Pacific Legal Foundation, California Farm Bureau and others.

Known as the Bush administration's “attack dog,” MacDonald, who has no biological training, arbitrarily removed more than 80 percent of the streams that were to be protected to help bull trout recover in the Northwest's Klamath River basin and pressured the Fish and Wildlife Service to alter findings on the Kootenai River sturgeon in Idaho and Montana to preserve dam operations that impede fish migration.

Recent news reports now indicate that she likely had a hand in the decision to deny protections to the fluvial grayling.

And...

The Department of the Interior is expected to overturn politically-biased environmental decisions made by former high-profile employee Julie MacDonald, who during her three years mandate has constantly privileged industry lobbyists in detriment of alarming scientific reports.

Julie MacDonald, a senior political appointee working as a deputy assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks, was found guilty during an internal investigation of improperly using classified information and of favoring industry insiders over scientists.

A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said last week that up to 10 decisions taken by MacDonald could be overturned or modified in a way that would allow the inclusion of several endangered species under the protection offered by Endangered Species Act. Among them are the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse found in the Rocky Mountains, the Southwestern willow flycatcher, the white-tailed prairie dog, 12 species of Hawaiian picture-wing flies, the arroyo toad, the California red-legged frog and the Canada lynx.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service H. Dale Hall found MacDonald guilty of breaking federal rules and recommended punishment for MacDonald’s dictatorial behavior concerning biologists. Moreover, MacDonald was also heavily involved in delisting the endangered Sacramento splittail, a fish found only in California's Central Valley, while owning an 80-acre farm inside the fish’s habitat.

According to Washington Post, Julie MacDonald has consistently “rejected staff scientists’ recommendations to protect imperiled animals and plants under the Endangered Species Act.” A civil engineer with no training in biology, she has “overruled and disparaged” the findings of her staff, instead “relying on the recommendations of political and industry groups.” MacDonald resigned on May 1.

“We wouldn’t [reverse MacDonald’s actions] if we didn’t suspect the decision would be different,” Mr. Hall said in a telephone conference with journalists. “It’s a blemish on the scientific integrity of the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior.”

Hehehe... Bush's Attack Dog. Nice. This administration gets full marks for effectiveness, thoroughness, creativity, etc. in accomplishing their mission. Unfortunately, their mission seems to be promoting business interests at every turn. By itself this is not a bad thing. But there is no balance, no long term consciousness beyond the present political term, unless you consider the future lobbying opportunities being earned.

And worst of all is the utter disregard for our laws. To flout our rules, to ignore the rest of the constituency, to sidestep the process to achieve the desired result..ugh. Effective. But wrong.