President George W. Bush had a deplorable record for protecting wildlife. During his administration a mere 62 species gained protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)–less than under any administration since Richard Nixon signed the law in 1973.
Naturally, wildlife advocates expected the Obama administration to turn things around. But after two years, many are frustrated by the slow pace at which the ESA is being used and by what they see as continued politicization of the process.
Staff members within the Fish and Wildlife Service say a lack of funding and ongoing lawsuits are to blame. But much criticism continues to focus on Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who–as a western rancher–is not thought to be an advocate of ESA.
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