PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Eight Democratic lawmakers called Tuesday for an investigation into “potential scientific meddling” by the Trump administration in its rule to remove critical habitat protections for the imperiled northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest. The group of federal lawmakers, led by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, says former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt “appeared to unilaterally act” on his way out of office to remove.
Democrats urge investigation into removal of spotted owl protections
KTVZ file
Northern spotted owl
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Eight Democratic U.S. lawmakers are calling for an investigation into “potential scientific meddling” by the Trump administration in its rule to remove critical habitat protections for the imperiled northern spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest.
The group, led by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Or e., said in a letter Tuesday that former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt “appeared to unilaterally act” on his way out of office to remove millions of acres of protected habitat designated for the owl.
The lawmakers are seeking a review from the Interior Department inspector general.
Last-minute removal of spotted owl protections by Trump administration deserves investigation, NW Democrats say
Updated Feb 02, 2021;
Posted Feb 02, 2021
FILE - In this May 8, 2003, file photo, a Northern Spotted Owl flies after an elusive mouse jumping off the end of a stick in the Deschutes National Forest near Camp Sherman, Ore. The Trump administration has slashed more than 3 million acres of protected habitat for the northern spotted owl in Oregon, Washington and northern California, much of it in prime timber locations in Oregon s coastal ranges. Environmentalists are accusing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under President Donald Trump of taking a parting shot at protections designed to help restore the threatened owl species. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)AP
By GREG WALCHER
The headline has become so familiar that few people even notice anymore: Washington Monument Closed Again. The most recognizable structure in the nationâs capital, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually, has also become a symbol of government arrogance. Thatâs because it is closed so frequently it is a laughingstock among tour guides. âWhy have they closed the Washington Monument? Because they can.â
Closing the landmark to visitors has long been a favorite strategy for administrations to pressure Congress into providing more money. It is so common that it has a name in the dictionary: The âWashington Monument Syndrome.â Wikipedia defines it as âa political tactic used ⦠by government agencies when faced with budget cuts ⦠cutting the most visible or appreciated service provided by the government, from popular services such as national parks â¦â