John,

Connie L isn't a low level bureaucrat wonk. He is a very high level wonk. He used to run the Pacific fleet or something for the Navy. He is a mathematician and sharper than hell.

But you're right. The administration wants to delist and get the ESA out of the way of business as usual. If they can contort the science and law to their will, they will.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.