Another Economy Setback: Polar Bears Threatened

The Interior Department declared the polar bear "threatened." As a result, you shouldn't expect the U.S. to become energy independent anytime soon. As Andrew Wetzler of the National Resources Defense Council says,

No governmental permits may be issued affecting the polar bear without all concerned government agencies having a say. He indicated the current US government believes it can still go ahead with pet projects in Alaska for oil and gas exploration and exploitation. However, Wetzler says it is not likely any of those projects wouldbe found legal by the courts as NRDC believes they violate the Endangered Species Act.

Not only that, but any new refinery, plant or other business that is deemed to contribute to global warming can now be challenged in court. Once again, if oil prices rise from here, we know who to blame.