AIBS Submits Comments on Interagency Cooperation Under the ESA

August 19, 2008

Public Comment Processing, Attention: 1018-AT50, Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203

RE: Comments on Interagency Cooperation Under the Endangered Species Act 50 CFR Part 402 (August 15, 2008)

To Whom It May Concern:

The American Institute of Biological Sciences is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. AIBS is sustained by a robust membership of some 5,000 individual biologists and nearly 200 professional societies and scientific organizations; the combined individual membership of the latter exceeds 250,000.

We have heard reports that representatives of some scientific organizations, many of which are volunteer run, are concerned about their ability to produce thoughtful and constructive comments on such a sweeping rule change in the proposed 30-day time period. Thus, we think that an extension is needed to provide our members sufficient time to analyze the proposed rule. We respectfully request that the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service extend the comment period for the above-cited docket to at least 90 days.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration of this request. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact AIBS Director of Public Policy, Dr. Robert Gropp, at 202-628-1500.

Respectfully,

Richard O’Grady, Ph.D. Executive Director

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