For most people, an hourly wage of $125 would be an awfully good deal, especially in this economy. But President Obama and environmental groups are warning that it is not nearly enough for one group: lawyers engaged in Endangered Species Act litigation. They would prefer that these attorneys continue to get the $300 to $450 an hour they are typically paid now.

Who is paying these fees? In many cases, it is the taxpayers. That’s because most ESA litigation is by private nonprofit groups against the federal government. By law, the government pays “reasonable” attorneys’ fees if the claims hold up in court.