Whooping Crane - USF&WS
Though many North American bird species are experiencing drastic population declines, a lame-duck president with an approval rating of less than 30% has pushed to remove the scientific peer-review process from the Endangered Species Act, thereby allowing federal agencies to determine on their own if a project will adversely affect wildlife. According to this change, federal agencies will no longer be required to consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service biologists.
Link: More from the American Bird Conservancy
Link: Scott Weidensaul's comments
