"The Trump administration on Wednesday proposed a major change to how threatened species are considered in agency actions by removing regulatory language that seeks to prevent their habitats from being degraded.
The move was aligned with President Donald Trump's pledge to unwind what he says are burdensome federal regulations for businesses.
The Endangered Species Act is a key regulatory consideration for agencies when considering whether to grant permits for oil and gas, mining, electric transmission and other operations on federal lands and water. Under federal law, agencies are required to evaluate the environmental impact of proposed industry operations that could threaten endangered species.
In a regulatory notice, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, divisions of the Departments of Interior and Commerce, proposed to rescind the definition of "harm" included in their ESA regulations."
Nichola Groom reports for Reuters April 16, 2025.
SEE ALSO:
"By Redefining ‘Harm,’ Agencies Aim to End Longstanding Wildlife Protections" (New York Times)
"Trump Officials Say Destroying Endangered Species’ Habitats Isn’t ‘Harm’" (Washington Post)
"Proposed Rule Change On Endangered Species Triggers Alarm For Environmentalists" (AP)
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