BILLINGS, Mont. — The Trump administration unveiled plans Wednesday to roll back protections for endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, reviewing regulations that were blocked by the Biden administration.
These proposed changes include eliminating the automatic protections for newly classified threatened species and instead requiring specific protections for each species, which environmentalists predict could delay conservation efforts significantly.
Critics, including environmentalists, fear that these changes may be detrimental to already struggling species such as the monarch butterfly and the Florida manatee. Stephanie Kurose from the Center for Biological Diversity expressed concern, stating, “We could be waiting until these animals are nearly extinct before protections kick in, which is utterly absurd and heartbreaking.”
The changes are being pushed forward as extinction rates are rising globally, exacerbated by habitat loss and other environmental pressures. Furthermore, prior proposals aimed to redefine 'harm' in the Endangered Species Act, potentially allowing harmful activities like logging on public lands without adequate protections for wildlife.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the move aims to restore the original intent of the Endangered Species Act while also taking into account the livelihoods of Americans relying on natural resources.
Supporters of the amendments argue they will provide necessary clarity and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on businesses, while opponents fear they may hinder efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.
The proposal has elicited varied reactions, with some stakeholders claiming it as a return to balanced policy, while conservationists warn it could lead to significant declines in species populations if not executed with caution.
