Babbitt Takes a Firm Stance on Bio-Protection

Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt said Monday that his foremost goal is to protect the country’s diversity of plant and animal life through the Endangered Species Act.

In a speech to the American Mining Congress, Babbitt said the law “is soundly premised by the notion that it is very important that we maintain the biodiversity that supports the life systems of the planet, the life systems of the water and the land resources and productivity of this country.”

In signaling an aggressive posture on endangered species, Babbitt put himself at odds with those who see the law as a violation of private property rights and a hindrance to lucrative use of land.

“We’re a little uncomfortable across the board,” said M. Darrell Williams, of the American Mining Congress. He said mining interests are worried about “how strident the Administration is going to be” on endangered species and other land management issues.

The 1973 law requires the government to protect the habitat of species that are near extinction.