The report described 20 improper decisions, including tampering with scientific evidence, improperly removing species and habitats from the endangered species list, and giving internal documents to oil industry lobbyists and property rights groups. Political appointee, Julie A. MacDonald, was involved in 13 of the 20 decisions. MacDonald resigned under pressure in May 2007. Congressman Nick Rahall, Chair of the Natural Resources Committee, said the report indicated that there was something “akin to a secret society residing within the Interior Department that was colluding to undermine the protection of endangered wildlife." Senator Ron Wyden, Chair of the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests said, “Ms. MacDonald's narrow focus on her own (political) agenda not only endangered the Endangered Species Act, it opened the door for countless land-use decisions and developments that would never have been considered."
February 2009
