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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President


For Immediate Release May 6, 1998
                    STATEMENT OF VICE PRESIDENT GORE
                 ON THE DELISTING OF ENDANGERED SPECIES

I am extremely heartened by today's announcement that the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon and several other species, which were once on the verge of extinction, are now well on the road to recovery.

The bald eagle is a proud symbol of America's strength, and its recovery is testament to our deep commitment to preserving nature's legacy for all time. Thanks to our efforts, future generations will be guaranteed the opportunity to see this great bird soar high and free.

The eagle's recovery is also proof that the Endangered Species Act, one of our nation's fundamental environmental laws, works not only to stave off extinction but to nurture species back to full health. As a result of the "delisting" process that the Interior Department is launching, the eagle, the falcon and nearly two dozen other species could be removed from the endangered species list in two years or less.

My hope is that, inspired by this news, we will rededicate ourselves to restoring our environment, and that the endangered species list will grow shorter and shorter with each passing year.