Tipoffs: Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules
Abundance Institute Warns Against Antitrust Intervention in Platform Censorship
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Abundance Institute has submitted a comprehensive comment to the Federal Trade Commission, urging the agency to steer clear of using antitrust law to regulate technology platform content moderation practices. Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, authored the submission dated May 21, 2025, emphasizing that disputes over online content are primarily driven by diverse user preferences rather than a lack of market competition.
Chilson's comments, whi
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Advocacy Group Urges FTC to Uphold Ban on Former Pioneer CEO Joining ExxonMobil Board
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The American Economic Liberties Project has opposed a petition by Scott Sheffield, former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources, seeking to overturn a Federal Trade Commission order that prevents him from joining ExxonMobil's board or serving as an advisor following ExxonMobil's acquisition of Pioneer. The nonpartisan research and advocacy organization, dedicated to addressing concentrated economic power, submitted its comments to the FTC on May 12, 2025.
The FTC's original ord
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Alliance for Plant-Based Inclusion Urges FDA to Maintain Flexible Labeling for Plant-Based Foods
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Alliance for Plant-Based Inclusion has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration regarding its draft guidance for Industry on the labeling of plant-based alternatives to animal-derived foods. While commending the FDA's commitment to clear labeling, APBI expressed significant concerns that the current draft could lead to consumer confusion and hinder manufacturers.
The APBI strongly advocates for the continued use of common and usual terms like "burger," "p
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Ariz. Riparian Council Warns Against Weakening Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Arizona Riparian Council has voiced strong opposition to the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to remove the regulatory definition of "harm" from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Arizona-based advocacy group argues that such a change would severely undermine protections for imperiled species and their essential habitats.
Kris Randall, president of the Arizona Riparian Council, a retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist wi
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Biotechnology Industry Calls for Clarity in Plant-Based Labeling Guidance
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the world's largest biotechnology trade association, has submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration regarding its draft guidance on labeling plant-based alternatives to animal-derived foods. BIO, representing companies involved in developing plant-based food products, emphasized the need for clear and accurate labeling that empowers consumers without creating unintended consequences.
BIO supports the FDA's mission to e
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Cattlemen's Association Urges FDA to Prevent Deceptive Labeling of Plant-Based Alternatives
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association, representing the largest sector of American agriculture, has submitted a letter to the Food and Drug Administration criticizing the draft guidance on labeling plant-based alternatives to animal-derived foods. The NCBA argues that current proposals could increase consumer confusion and undermine fair market competition for beef producers.
In their letter to Deputy Commissioner Grace Graham, the NCBA expressed concerns that plant-ba
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Coalition Urges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Preserve Endangered Species Act's Harm Definition
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- A coalition of 18 conservation organizations has called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to maintain the existing definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. In a letter to the agencies, the groups argue that removing the definition, which includes habitat modifications that injure or kill wildlife, would weaken protections for imperiled species and contradict the law's intent.
"Habitat is essential to all fish, wil
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Communications Sector Coordinating Council Praises FEMA Partnership in Disaster Response
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Communications Sector Coordinating Council, an industry-organized group dedicated to the security and resilience of communications infrastructure, has lauded its partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency. In a letter to the agency, the industry body highlighted the positive and mutually beneficial engagement, particularly through Emergency Support Function #2, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining and restoring cri
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Conservation Group Opposes Weakening Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The New York Natural Heritage Program has voiced strong opposition to a proposed change in the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The conservation organization urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to reject the measure.
"As a conservation organization specializing in the monitoring and assessment of rare plants, animals, and ecological communities in New York State since 1985, we are deeply concerned by any
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Conservation Groups Urge Feds to Retain 'Harm' Definition for Endangered Species
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- A coalition of 17 organizations, the Orca Salmon Alliance, is urging the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Commerce to withdraw a proposed rule that would change the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The alliance contends the proposed alteration would remove habitat modification or degradation, even when it kills or injures wildlife, from the Act's protective scope.
The primary concern for the alliance is the Southern Resident
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Cotton Council Urges Return to Traditional 'Harm' Definition for Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received comments from the National Cotton Council regarding its proposal to adjust the regulatory definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The NCC, representing the nation's cotton industry from producers to textile manufacturers across 17 states, supports the agency's effort to rescind the current broadened interpretation and revert to a more historically sound understanding.
The American cotton industry is a significa
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Council of State Community Development Agencies Advocates for Improved Disaster Response From Federal Agencies
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Council of State Community Development Agencies has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Partnership and Engagement regarding experiences with federal disaster responses. The organization, which represents state agencies that administer the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs related to community development, housing, homelessness, and disaster recovery, stressed the need for a coordinated approach to disaster re
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Delta Air Lines Raises Concerns Over Proposed FAA Maintenance Rule
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Delta Air Lines has submitted detailed comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding a proposed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule concerning horizontal stabilizer trim actuator maintenance. In a letter dated May 23, 2025, Michael Tharp, AD Process & Compliance for Delta, highlighted several areas requiring clarification and amendment to ensure operational clarity and safety.
A primary concern for Delta revolves around conflicting instructions regardi
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Economic Liberties Project Urges FTC to Maintain Ban on Former Hess CEO Joining Chevron Board
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The American Economic Liberties Project, a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization, has urged the Federal Trade Commission to reject a petition from Chevron Corp. and John B. Hess, the former CEO of Hess Corp. The petition seeks to overturn an FTC order prohibiting Hess from joining Chevron's board or serving as an advisor following Chevron's acquisition of Hess. The organization submitted its comments to the FTC on May 12, 2025.
The FTC's initial order aimed to pre
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Engine Maker Urges Clarity on Airworthiness Directive
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- RTX Corp. Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, Connecticut, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding a proposed airworthiness directive concerning its PW1100G-JM engines. The proposed directive would require the incorporation of previously issued service bulletins designed to prevent potential fuel leaks and fires. These actions stem from three fire events related to the fracture of a fuel tube under fan blade out loads.
The manufacturer's corre
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Engineers Urge FEMA to Bolster Disaster Preparedness & Resilience
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The American Council of Engineering Companies has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency, advocating for a reimagined approach to disaster recovery and resilience funding. The business voice of the U.S. engineering industry, the organization represents nearly 5,500 engineering firms nationwide.
Bradley J. Saull, vice president at ACEC, stated, "FEMA exists to help our nation and our citizens prepare for, respond t
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FDA Draft Guidance on Plant-Based Food Labeling Sparks Controversy
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- On May 9, 2025, the Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted a letter to the Food and Drug Administration regarding its Draft Guidance for Industry on the Labeling of Plant-Based Alternatives to Animal-Derived Foods. The guidance, which recommends disclosing primary plant ingredients on product labels, has ignited debate over its necessity, efficacy, and potential to harm the plant-based food industry.
The FDA's guidance suggests that plant-based products, such as meat, seafood
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FTC's Social Media Censorship Probe Sparks Free Speech Concerns
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Competitive Enterprise Institute has warned that the Federal Trade Commission's inquiry into technology platform content moderation risks violating constitutional protections and misallocating agency resources. In a letter submitted on May 21, 2025, to the FTC, CEI argues that the agency's "Request for Public Comment Regarding Technology Platform Censorship" mischaracterizes content moderation as censorship, threatening platforms' First Amendment rights.
"When technolo
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Governors Push for Federal Disaster Program Overhaul
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin are leading a bipartisan effort, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to implement crucial reforms to federal disaster response programs. Their appeal, conveyed in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, calls for greater flexibility and faster support for states grappling with emergencies.
We are on the front lines when disaster strikes and embrace the paramount responsibility
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Healthcare Provider Advocates for Cardiac Rehab Cost Adjustments
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has sent comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding proposed changes to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and 2009 payment rates. The medical facility's letter focuses on CMS's request for input on creating nonstandard cost centers for cardiac rehabilitation services.
"Our hospital has reviewed the proposed cost calculation changes as describe
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Industry Groups Urge DOT to Modernize Hazardous Materials Regulations
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles and the International Vessel Operators Dangerous Goods Association have submitted extensive recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Their comments, part of a request for information on regulatory reform, advocate for significant changes to hazardous materials regulations, aiming to reduce costs and foster innovation without compromising safety.
The Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Article
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Large Public Power Council Calls for Streamlined FEMA Disaster Aid
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Large Public Power Council has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding its members' experiences with disaster responses, advocating for improvements in the federal agency's processes. The organization highlighted issues ranging from lengthy reimbursement delays to inconsistencies in claim evaluations.
The power group reported that while outright denials of claims were rare, certain costs were often de
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Latino Advocacy Group Urges FTC to Combat Online Hate Speech
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The National Hispanic Media Coalition has called on the Federal Trade Commission to address the surge of hate speech and inconsistent content moderation on social media platforms, emphasizing the disproportionate harm faced by Latino communities. In a detailed submission responding to the Federal Trade Commission's February 20, 2025, Request for Information on technology platform censorship, NHMC highlights how lax moderation policies and market consolidation exacerbate onl
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Livestock Producers Oppose Grizzly Bear Listing Proposal
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- A coalition of cattle and sheep producers, represented by the Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, has urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw a proposed rule that would establish a Distinct Population Segment for grizzly bears in the lower 48 states and list them as threatened. The organizations argue that the proposal undermines existing conservation successes and places undue burdens on ranchers.
"NCBA and PLC strongly oppose
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Maryland Challenges Proposed Habitat Rule Change
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Maryland wildlife officials are voicing apprehension over a proposed alteration to the definition of "harm" within the Endangered Species Act, arguing it could cripple efforts to protect vulnerable wildlife and plant life. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Interior, expressing profound reservations about the change.
The state of Maryland shares nine plant species and 30 animal species listed as threatened or endan
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Missouri Conservation Agency Criticizes Proposed Endangered Species Act 'Harm' Definition Change
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation has expressed apprehension to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding a proposal to rescind the regulatory definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The conservation agency submitted its comments during the public input period, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on Missouri's natural resources and species.
The Endangered Species Act, passed 51 years ago, has been crucial in preventing the extinction of over
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Modoc County Urges Shift in Endangered Species Act 'Harm' Definition
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Modoc County, California, has submitted comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding a proposed rule to redefine "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The county has been impacted by the current interpretation for years and applauds the wildlife agency's recognition that recent court decisions mandate a fresh look at the regulation.
Sean Curtis, director, stated, "The County's federal land grazers, loggers and irrigators that use federal water have been buff
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National Cotton Council Urges U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Against Monarch Butterfly Listing
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The National Cotton Council of America has expressed its opposition to the proposed listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The council conveyed its views in a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service, emphasizing that existing conservation efforts and pesticide strategies are sufficient to protect the butterfly population.
Chad Brewer, Ph.D., vice-president of technical services for the Nati
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Ohio Farm Bureau Urges Flexibility in Monarch Butterfly Protections
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation has weighed in on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to list the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, advocating for a flexible approach that supports existing conservation efforts and agricultural practices. The agricultural organization, representing thousands of farm families across Ohio, provided comments to Barbara Hosler, regional listing coordinator at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"The pr
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Okla. Cotton Council Opposes Monarch Butterfly Listing
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Oklahoma Cotton Council is urging the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider its proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The organization recently submitted a comment opposing the potential designation, citing concerns about its impact on existing conservation efforts and agricultural operations.
Charity Martin, executive director of the Oklahoma Cotton Council, stated that "Oklah
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Pilgrim's Pride Urges Modernization of Poultry Grading Standards
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Pilgrim's Pride Corp., Greeley, Colorado, has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service regarding proposed revisions to the nation's poultry classes, standards, and grades. The company expressed support for updating the standards while also providing recommendations to reflect changes in production automation and consumer demand.
Kendra Waldbusser, head of food safety & quality assurance and live technical services at Pilgrim's
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Ranchers Dispute Grizzly Bear Recovery Status
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Montana Stockgrowers Association, Helena, Montana, has challenged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed rule regarding the listing of grizzly bears, arguing that populations in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems are already recovered. In a letter to Hilary Cooley, grizzly bear recovery coordinator at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the ranching group asserted that keeping these bear populations listed under the Endangered Spec
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Ranching Groups Express Reservations on Monarch Butterfly Listing
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Two agricultural organizations have submitted comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, voicing apprehension regarding a proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The Public Lands Council, representing cattle and sheep affiliates across the West, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a trade association for cattle producers, acknowledge the importance of pollinator health but raise questions about th
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Rural Electric Cooperatives Seek Delay on Monarch Butterfly Listing
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Arlington, Virginia, has urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to delay action on a proposed listing of the Monarch Butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The trade association, representing over 800 electric cooperatives across the nation, expressed concern about the potential negative impacts on their operations and the cost of electricity for rural consumers.
NRECA's letter to the U.S.
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Social Media Content Moderation Faces Scrutiny as FTC Urged to Respect Free Speech
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Center for Democracy and Technology and the Electronic Frontier Foundation have raised concerns about potential overreach by the Federal Trade Commission in regulating social media content moderation, warning that such actions could infringe on First Amendment rights and stifle competition. In a joint letter submitted on May 21, 2025, to the Federal Trade Commission, the organizations argue that the agency's authority to police content moderation is limited by practical
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Southern Illinois Researchers Urge Swift Approval of New Fungicide
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Illinois AG Research LLC, a private Contract Research Organization based in southern Illinois, has submitted a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strongly advocating for the rapid registration of cyclobutrifluram (Tymirium). The organization, owned and operated by three scientists who also run commercial farming operations, highlighted the fungicide's efficacy against two devastating soybean diseases: SDS (fusarium virguliforme) and red crown rot (calonectri
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Student Animal Legal Defense Fund Urges FDA to Reconsider Plant-Based Labeling Guidance
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund chapter at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University has opposed the Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance on the labeling of plant-based alternatives to animal-derived foods. In a letter dated May 7, 2025, submitted in response to Docket No. FDA-2022-D-1102, SALDF argues the proposed regulations are unnecessary, burdensome, and could hinder the growth of a vital market.
SALDF contends that the FDA's proposed requirem
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Tech Industry Group Urges FTC to Protect Platform Editorial Discretion
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Computer and Communications Industry Association has submitted extensive comments to the Federal Trade Commission, advocating for the protection of digital services' editorial discretion in content moderation. In its response to the FTC's request for public comments regarding technology platform censorship (Docket No. FTC-2025-0023-0001), the CCIA, representing a broad spectrum of tech and communications firms, emphasized that content moderation is a crucial tool for en
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Tech Platforms Face Scrutiny Over Content Moderation Practices
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Federal Trade Commission is examining the complex interplay between technology platforms' content moderation policies and their implications for free speech and competition, prompted by a detailed submission from the International Center for Law and Economics. The nonprofit research center, known for its law and economics expertise, has urged the FTC to tread carefully, emphasizing that these platforms' moderation decisions are protected by the First Amendment and drive
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United Airlines Identifies Critical Discrepancies in Proposed FAA Maintenance Rule
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- United Airlines has voiced its support for a Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive concerning Boeing 767 maintenance, but not without significant caveats. In a submission to the U.S. Department of Transportation (Docket No. FAA-2025-0618), UAL highlighted several crucial discrepancies within the associated Boeing Alert Requirement Bulletin 767-57A0148 Rev original, which could impact the clarity and effectiveness of the proposed rule.
One key issue raised
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Wildlife Group Urges Pause on Endangered Species Act Rule Change
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Wildlife Society North Central Section has called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to halt a proposed rule change regarding the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The conservation organization, which represents eight states across the Midwest and has over 350 active wildlife professionals as members, argues the agency should await further legislative or court clarity.
"The proposed change to the regulatory definition of harm under the ESA could
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Wildlife Professionals Oppose Rollback of Endangered Species Protections
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Wildlife Society North Carolina Chapter, an association of wildlife professionals, has voiced its firm opposition to a proposed rule by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to rescind the regulatory definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. The group argues that this change would diminish the law's effectiveness in protecting declining species and their essential habitats.
"The proposed change to the regulatory definition of harm under the ESA could undermin
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Wildlife Professionals Urge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Maintain Habitat Protections
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- The Wildlife Society North Dakota Chapter is urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider its proposed rule to rescind the definition of harm under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The organization states that removing this definition would severely restrict the Act's effectiveness and contradict its original purpose.
The professional society, whose mission is to foster healthy wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management, voiced its fir
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Wyoming Demands Grizzly Bear Delisting, Citing Recovery Success
WASHINGTON, June 7 -- Wyoming is calling for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw its proposed rule regarding grizzly bear listing and instead issue a delisting rule for the species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. According to a letter sent to the U.S. Department of the Interior, the state views the agency's revised determination and Section 4(d) Rule, coupled with the recent denial of Wyoming's delisting petition as unacceptable.
Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming stated, "Because
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