A four-year battle between the federal government and Duarte Nursery over the farm’s plowing of a field to plant wheat—for … More
Category: Endangered Species Act
Will capitalism save the rhino?
Rhinos have been hunted to the verge of extinction because of their valuable horns. Most governments have responded, as they … More
Endangered species depend on private land for habitat, so why treat landowners as the enemy?
Designating uninhabitable private land as “critical habitat” discourages private conservation with no compensating benefit for species.
Worried about droughts? Embrace water markets
In the last few years, California experienced a long, severe drought. It was extremely painful, but not as painful as … More
New leader of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could steer agency in more collaborative direction
At long last, the Administration has chosen an acting leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—an important federal agency … More
Life imitates science fiction: how will de-extinction change environmental policy?
The possibility that we may soon be able to resurrect extinct species would allow us to hedge against the risk of extinction.
Will the federal government stop Utah from working with property owners to protect prairie dogs?
For three years, Utah has worked with property owners to protect prairie dogs. But a decision from the Tenth Circuit threatens to get rid of that conservation program and replace it with more conflict.
Science is immensely important, but it has a hubris problem
Science is incredibly politicized. Science is extremely important and scientists have a meaningful role in policy questions. But not all science is created equal and not everything a scientist thinks is science.
Does the environment trump constitutional limits on federal power?
In Utah prairie dog decision, the Tenth Circuit undermined cooperative conservation of the species and tore up constitutional limits on federal power.
Congressional testimony on delays from ESA consultation
In congressional testimony, I explain how the Endangered Species Act’s consultation process delays infrastructure upgrades and can harm species.
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