In the letter,the organizations express deep reservations about Sunstein’s views onanimal rights and hunting.  Sunstein has been quoted as saying, “wemight ban hunting altogether, at least if it’s sole purpose is humanrecreation” as well as his discussions about offering animals therights to sue humans.

The letter makes clear that as the head ofthe OIRA, a powerful federal agency with extensive authority to blockrules, such views, “raise serious concerns about the agenda Mr.Sunstein will carry with him into this position if he is confirmed bythe U.S. Senate.”

Sunstein’s controversial views on animalrights, hunting, and agriculture caused two Senators, Saxby Chambliss(R- GA) and John Cornyn (R- TX) to temporarily place “holds” on hisnomination.  This prevented the nomination from moving forward prior tothe August recess.  Though those holds were subsequently removed, thereremains much concern throughout the conservation community.