Legal expert: proposed rule change could hurt endangered species LARAMIE, WYO. (wpr) - Under a proposed rule, different federal agencies will be allowed to determine whether or not a road building or logging project would harm wildlife.

The rule endorsed by Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne would allow agencies outside of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine if an endangered species could be harmed by a particular project.

University of Wyoming Law Professor Debra Donahue has been following the rule and has some concerns.

Donahue fears that the change could allow a project to take place that could actually harm wildlife.

Federal officials say it will allow some projects to be completed more quickly. © Copyright 2009, wpr