How Fast Can You Type?

The clock is running for people who want to comment on the U.S. Interior Department's proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, and those who do will find that commenting requires some effort.

The rule change would eliminate some requirements for scientific study of federal projects' impact on fish, plants and wildlife, by allowing the agencies that propose the projects to bypass consultation with government experts on environmental impact.

The Bush administration has already taken plenty of heat about the changes since they were announced earlier this month. On Friday, more than 100 conservation groups also protested the 30-day window for public comment.

As Sean Stevens, communications director for the group Oregon Wild, points out, there's normally a 60-day or 90-day comment period for such rule changes.

"We haven't had a change to the ESA since 1988. And now they're talking about giving people 30 days to weigh in on big changes to one of our landmark environmental laws."

Comments must be made by mail, or on a designated Web site set up by the Interior Department. Stevens adds that in this case the comment page is buried in a maze of Internet links, and the user needs to input a five-segment regulation number to get to the correct screen.

"Normally, you can just send an e-mail in and say, 'This is how I feel about it.' With the proposed ESA changes, they've set up a Web site where you have to go and fill out a form. So it seems like they're doing all they can to prevent the public from being a part of this very important process."

The comments also are posted online, along with the commenter's name, city and organization represented.

Several members of Congress have requested extensions and public hearings. But for now, the deadline for comments is September 15, and the place to start is online, at www.doi.gov.

Just how complicated is the process? You must scroll down the page to click on "Comment on Regulations," which takes you to another Web site, www.regulations.gov, where you click on a link of the same name (www.regulations.gov). On the next screen, enter the regulation number (FWS-R9-ES-2008-0093) and click on the box that says, "Select to find documents accepting comments or submissions." On next screen, click on the phrase, "Send a Comment or Submission." The Submission Form requests name, address, phone number, email address, and other contact information.