Rule limiting species protections revoked

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration will again require federal agencies to consult with the government’s wildlife experts before taking any actions that could impact threatened or endangered species.

The Interior and Commerce departments said today they have revoked a last-minute rule change by the Bush administration that ended the consultation requirement. Environmentalists had argued that the Bush action severely reduced protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said by reimposing the requirement on agencies, it ensures that animals, fish and plants in danger of extinction “receive the full protection of the law.”

Last month, Congress authorized the departments to overturn the Bush rule.