Executive orders and the environment

In the last few months, the Bush Administration has quietly been at work passing executive orders that affect the environment. These changes include removing the Grey wolf from protection in the northern Rockies, eliminating the input to of government scientists when agencies decide whether projects are likely to harm species, and opening up millions of acres of public lands to oil and gas drilling and motorized vehicles.

President Clinton used similar tactics at the close of his administration.

President-elect Obama may use his executive power after taking office to reverse some of these decisions.