State "endangered" listing for Joshua Trees could be thwarted by local opposition

Efforts to win endangered species protections for the imperiled Joshua tree in California are encountering entrenched opposition from local officials, who say the added protections may prevent real estate development and economic growth.

On Thursday, the California fish and game commission (FGC) will vote on a petition that, if approved, will grant the yucca plants temporary protected status for a year while the agency conducts a study.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/20/joshua-tree-endangered-species-california-opposition