The way things work

Another "speaks for itself" item. This is just too absurd for commentary.

Washington (AP, January 27) - Officials admit they pretty much ignore an Endangered Species Act requirement that they consult with one another before licensing new pesticides. Now they want regulations to say they don't always have to do what they're already not doing.

The Bush administration proposes allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to approve new pesticides without a formal signoff in every case from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

By not requiring so many consultations, the government says it becomes more likely that the ones still required will occur. ...

The Endangered Species Act, signed into law by President Nixon in 1973, requires the government to ensure its actions don't jeopardize the survival of plants, animals and fish. To do that, EPA must consult with the other two agencies. ...

[A]dministration officials maintain they can change the regulations, despite the law's requirement that EPA consult with the other agencies.

If anyone cares to try to explain to me what in hell sense that third paragraph makes, I'd love to hear it.

A quick footnote is that in fairness I have to mention that this practice of ignoring the requirements of the law apparently long predates the Bush administration.