DENVER - June 23 - Five conservation groups today challenged a Bush administration decision to strip protections from endangered species. Under Bush's leadership, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was ordered to stop protecting endangered plants and wildlife throughout their ranges, and instead only protect the populations that were closest to extinction. Under this controversial reinterpretation of the Endangered Species Act, important habitat for endangered species recovery will not be protected.

LAS VEGAS - May 27 - The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a protest of water-right applications filed by the Kane County Water Conservancy that would be used to facilitate the development of a nuclear power plant at Green River, Utah.

SAN FRANCISCO - May 26 - In the midst of a third consecutive dry year, California's water supply continues to shrink as the state's population grows, but according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the state's commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) sector has the tools to save more than enough water to meet the annual needs of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego combined. Some leading California businesses and institutions are already catching on - saving water and money at the same time.

RICHMOND, Vt. - May 21 - The Forest Service issued a decision this week approving its fifth timber sale within an Inventoried Roadless Area on the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The Stevens Brook timber sale would log 157 acres in the South Carr Mountain roadless area; 43 acres would be clearcut.