Big fight over tiny owl

Conservation groups have gone to court to try to stop the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from removing a tiny owl from the endangered species list.

The cactus ferruginous pygmy owl -- which is only about 6 inches long and weighs less than 3 ounces -- has been at the center of a battle between environmentalists and developers for years.

It is scheduled to officially be taken off the list Monday.

There are only 13 known pygmy owls left in Arizona, said Jenny Neeley of the Defenders of Wildlife. Neeley said the owl, which has been listed as endangered since 1997, will face imminent extinction if the protection is removed.

Developers and landowners have opposed endangered status for the bird because of its economic impact. Its presence delayed numerous developments and road projects, and also blocked construction of a high school northwest of Tucson.

Note that Bush has nomintated William Wehrum to head the EPA...I promise you he dosen't give a f#@% about the pygmy owl.