A recent proposal by federal agencies aims to revise long-standing language, raising concerns about habitat preservation.
Trump Administration Proposes Major Changes to Endangered Species Act
Trump Administration Proposes Major Changes to Endangered Species Act
The Trump administration seeks to redefine 'harm' in a way that could significantly weaken protections for endangered species.
April 16, 2025, 7:11 p.m. ET - The Trump administration is taking steps to amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which has been a cornerstone of wildlife protection for nearly five decades. A new rule proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alongside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration intends to redefine "harm" in a manner that could diminish vital protections for threatened wildlife.
The changes suggest excluding habitat destruction from the definition of harm. Administration officials argue that the current interpretation is excessive, limiting business activities like drilling and logging. They contend that the law should focus primarily on direct threats such as hunting or trapping, rather than indirect effects like habitat loss.
This proposed shift has alarmed environmental advocates, who warn it will lead to an escalation in habitat destruction, the leading cause of species extinction. Andrew Bowman, president of the Defenders of Wildlife organization, expressed that the majority of endangered species owe their status primarily to habitat loss. He criticized the proposal, labeling it as the most significant rollback to the ESA since its inception under President Nixon in 1973.
The administration’s move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate development across the U.S., raising significant concern about the long-term viability of numerous species that rely on their natural habitats for survival.
The changes suggest excluding habitat destruction from the definition of harm. Administration officials argue that the current interpretation is excessive, limiting business activities like drilling and logging. They contend that the law should focus primarily on direct threats such as hunting or trapping, rather than indirect effects like habitat loss.
This proposed shift has alarmed environmental advocates, who warn it will lead to an escalation in habitat destruction, the leading cause of species extinction. Andrew Bowman, president of the Defenders of Wildlife organization, expressed that the majority of endangered species owe their status primarily to habitat loss. He criticized the proposal, labeling it as the most significant rollback to the ESA since its inception under President Nixon in 1973.
The administration’s move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate development across the U.S., raising significant concern about the long-term viability of numerous species that rely on their natural habitats for survival.
