US: Environmental group accuses U.S. of failing to protect coral

Looks like another Preble's meadow jumping mouse action..only this time with a Global Warming Cooling Climate Change angle.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - (KRT) - Three species of coral that have experienced steep declines over the past 30 years have taken the first steps toward protection under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The Bush administration said Monday it had made a favorable initial decision on an environmental group's petition to protect elkhorn, staghorn and fused-staghorn coral, which live in the Caribbean and off the southeast coast of Florida.

If any of the three corals make it to the endangered species list, it would become a felony to harm them. The federal government would be required to prepare recovery plans and set aside critical habitat.

The Center for Biological Diversity had filed a petition to protect the corals, saying they had declined by up to 98 percent in some areas. The group blamed global warming, which it said caused a condition called coral bleaching.

On Monday, having lost patience with administration's failure to act, the group filed a 60-notice of intent to sue, a legally required step before the federal government can be taken to court.

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Shakes head...