Trump administration rolls back a key protection for imperiled wildlife
Summary
The Trump administration finalized a rule that narrows the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. This change allows activities like logging, mining, and drilling on animal habitats as long as the animals are not directly killed or injured.Key Facts
- The rule change limits protections for wildlife habitats by defining “harm” more narrowly.
- Agencies can now allow development on critical habitats if animals are not physically harmed.
- The Endangered Species Act usually protects areas where threatened and endangered species live.
- The administration says this restores the law’s original meaning after a 2024 Supreme Court decision.
- Environmental groups warn this could cause some species to go extinct due to habitat loss.
- Industry leaders and some Republicans argue the law was previously too strict on land use.
- The Endangered Species Act has helped recover animals like the bald eagle and California condor.
- Earlier rollbacks during President Trump’s first term were reversed by President Biden.
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