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While major attention is focused on President elect Barack Obama’s transition to power, the Bush Administration is spending its twilight days slipping in last minute policies, particularly on environmental regulation. Environmental groups have taken note of recent proposed changes by the Interior Department including revisions to environmental regulations that would change the Endangered Species Act or ESA, open up millions of acres of land for development, and revoke emergency authorities to protect public lands. If finalized under a shortened public comment period, the proposals would hamper the ESA in terms of regulating climate change even if animals face extinction due to global warming. In addition, mining companies could potentially enjoy deregulation of mountaintop removal mining. Environmentalists see these latest moves by the Interior Department as parting shots to what they characterize as the already devastating legacy of the Bush administration on the environment. However, while keeping a watchful eye on Bush, the groups are also gearing up for the incoming Obama administration. The National Resource Defense Council in particular plans to pressure the new President in his first 100 days to push forward with greening the economy under his New Energy for America plan.

GUEST: John Walke, Senior Attorney and Clean Air Director of the Natural Defenses Resources Council