AND YOU THOUGHT THEY WERE ENDANGERED BEFORE

The Clinton Administration made another strategic retreat today before the House GOP juggernaut, this time proposing to soften provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt released a set of 10 guidelines that would "balance endangered species protection with economic development," including a proposal to forgo enforcement in single-home residential tracts, or on issues that affect areas smaller than five acres. The plan also requires more scientific study before declaring species in danger and gives states and local officials more discretion. The House passed a tougher bill Friday by a vote of 277-141 that would require federal agencies to compensate landowners when federal wetland and endangered species regulations drive down their property values.