Context: The question to be answered is whether a listed species will be harmed by the action and, if so, how the harm can be minimized. If harm cannot be avoided, the project agency can seek an exemption from the Endangered Species Committee, an ad hoc panel composed of members from the executive branch and at least one appointee from the state where the project is to occur. Five of the seven committee members must vote for the exemption to allow taking (to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or significant habitat modification, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct) of listed species.

Question: What is the primary consideration for determining if projects may be carried out in areas with endangered species?
Answer: whether a listed species will be harmed by the action and, if so, how the harm can be minimized

Question: If a species may be harmed, who holds final say on whether the project may proceed?
Answer: the Endangered Species Committee

Question: How many members are on the ad hoc panel that allows project exemptions for cases where a species may harmed?
Answer: seven

Question: How many votes must be in favor of the exemption in order to award the exemption?
Answer: Five

Question: What is one specific requirement regarding the make-up of the exmeption panel?
Answer: at least one appointee from the state where the project is to occur

Question: Who does the Endangered Species Committee get an exemption from?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: How many members must vote against the exemption?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: How many members must a project agency have?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: What do project agencies vote on?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: What happens if the harm can be minimized?
Answer: Unanswerable