The U.S. Department of Interior has agreed with a recommendation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), but stopped short of using the act to reduce Arctic oil drilling or otherwise limit greenhouse gas emissions.

In announcing the action, Sec. of Interior Dirk Kempthorne acknowledged that continued melting of sea ice had reduced the polar bear’s natural habitat, but stated that the Endangered Species Act was not the vehicle for reversing global warming.

"While the legal standards under the ESA compel me to list the polar bear as threatened, I want to make clear that this listing will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting,” said Kempthorne, stressing that a "real solution" to global climate change would require action on the part of all major world economies. "That is why I am taking administrative and regulatory action to make certain the ESA isn't abused to make global warming policies."

In his remarks on the action, Kempthorne noted that scientific data did not allow a connection between greenhouse gas emissions and potential harm to endangered species, and announced a special rule allowing Arctic oil and gas production to continue.

Under the new rule, known as 4(d), any oil-producing activity currently allowed under the stricter Marine Mammal Protection Act, will also be considered acceptable under the Endangered Species Act.

"This rule, effective immediately," stated Sec. Kempthorne, "will ensure the protection of the bear while allowing us to continue to develop our natural resources in the arctic region in an environmentally sound way."

Also See:
Is Global Warming a Hoax? (Environmental Issues)
Majority Oppose Arctic Oil Drilling, Survey Says