1. Makes the listing process much more transparent.

2. Establishes clear standards in determining whether a species should or should not be listed based on the information provided in the petition. If there are gaps in the information and data being used as a basis for a listing decision, the listing should not proceed until the petitioner or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fills in these gaps.

3. Establishes a threshold for independent, peer-reviewed scientific standards to be used by the Service when making listing determinations. A disinterested panel of experts should make a recommendation to the Service regarding any listing determination, separate from any special interest's petition to list a species, prior to any listing action.