"Fish And Wildlife Service Under Trump Faulted For Lack Of Opinions"

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) did not provide an opinion on the majority of consultation requests reviewed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), despite a requirement in the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), according to a report released Wednesday by the GAO.

CBRA requires FWS to consult with federal agencies ahead of any major projects likely to affect federally protected coastal zones.

However, of 31 projects in fiscal 2018 and 2019 analyzed by the GAO, FWS did not provide an opinion for 18, according to the report."

Zack Budryk reports for The Hill March 10, 2021.