Obama environmental legacy at stake as GOP, industry align

The Obama administration will leave behind a host of disputed recent actions and unfinished business on the environment — from shelved energy leases and blocked mining projects to pollution restrictions and decisions on hundreds of potentially imperiled species. Republicans and business groups emboldened by Donald Trump's victory are gearing up to reverse many of the administration's signature environmental moves, particularly those made since the election. The outcome could determine whether eight years of Democratic rule in the White House leaves a lasting mark on the environment or quickly fades. Already environmental groups and their Democratic allies are raising alarms over Trump's choice of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Gov. Rick Perry for energy secretary and Thursday's announcement of Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke for interior secretary. All three are industry proponents who have lined up against Obama on environmental issues and expressed doubts about the science behind climate change. "Obama may be in danger of losing his entire legacy," said Rep. Rob Bishop, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, who pointed to "excessive" administration moves on the environment that attracted a Republican backlash. "From the top, the president (Trump) on down, there is a commitment to making change, and the stars are aligning to see that change take place," the Utah Republican said...more