Two Acts that serve as important protections for birds are under attack. The National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) currently requires federal agencies to consider the environmental effects of their proposed actions and allows for public review and comment. Sounds reasonable, right? But the White House Council on Environmental Quality is proposing a new rule that will curtail public and scientific review. This new rule could be a death knell for birds like the greater sage grouse who are already struggling to survive.

On a separate front, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing permanent changes to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which would no longer prohibit “incidental” bird injury or death. This protection for birds has served as an important deterrent to industry, making bird protections a part of design.

You can find out more information and take action on these issues at http://audubon.org. Choose the “Take Action” tab and let your legislators know that these protections for birds should not be weakened.