Bush/Kempthorne get through their rule weakening the ESA.

Wildlife groups go to court instantly, but new regs could stick for a while-

Rule Eases a Mandate Under a Law on Wildlife. By Felicity Barringer. New York Times.

Kempthorne of course is lying when he is saying the new ESA regs are to prevent the misuse of the ESA by turning it into a tool to curb global warming. The new regs are just an effort to harm the ESA, period.

The new Congress could quickly reverse these new regulations by a vote on the regulation. Unfortuntely, we have heard the “leadership” may have lost its nerve about holding a vote on this. So it is possible it will take a judge and a year or so to pull down this likely illegal regulation.

Interior Update: Pelosi offers Grijalva powerful seat on Ways & Means Committee

Update 12/12 : Another Endorsement for Grijalva – Rep. Grace Napolitano backs Grijalva

Update 12/12 : Another strong Endorsement for Grijalva – Raul Grijalva Great Choice of Secretary of Interior – Howard Shanker – Huffington Post :

Once the land is gone or ruined, it cannot be bailed out by throwing money at it. The Secretary of Interior needs to be committed to the effective and comprehensive management of public lands. Grijalva understands this need and stands ready to fill the currently existing void in responsible federal land management.