Endangered Species: Limited Effect of Consultation Requirements on Western Water Projects

摘要

The report examines the effect of the Endangered Species Act on the exercise of water rights in western states. It specifically addresses questions concerning the Act's section aimed at protecting threatened or endangered species by requiring federal agencies to consult with the Department of the Interior before taking or authorizing development actions. The report presents the results of a project by project analysis of the consultation process' impact on western water projects measured in terms of project delays, modifications and cost increases. It also describes the results of a review of western state water laws and their compatibility with the Endangered Species Act's goals.