Species Act Lawsuits

As a biologist who works with endangered species, I was disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling allowing lawsuits by those who have been “harmed” by the Endangered Species Act (March 20). However, my disappointment is not that landowners may sue, as it is doubtful most plaintiffs will prove their case in court. Many disaster stories allegedly attributed to endangered species are fraught with hyperbole. Rather, my concern is that the innumerable lawsuits that will now be filed will draw experienced, capable staff at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service away from tasks related to environmental protection.

It is already difficult to communicate with my colleagues at the service, as they currently spend a lot of their time dealing with lawsuits filed by environmental groups. There is little chance for settlement of these infinite lawsuits unless Congress appropriates, in the interests of addressing this mandate, more funding.

KATHY KEANE

Long Beach