3 hours ago
Trump administration removes habitat destruction from Endangered Species Act harm rule
The Interior Department finalized a rule that limits the legal scope of federal conservation efforts by narrowing how the government defines harm to wildlife. This move effectively reduces legal protections for the environments of threatened species. The administration claims the previous definition allowed agencies to obstruct lawful land use and burdened property owners. Critics argue that habitat destruction is a primary driver of species extinction. The new rule limits the government's ability to penalize activities that degrade critical ecosystems. Proponents say the shift follows the original intent of the statute and provides regulatory certainty. Statement on Endangered Species Act regulatory changesTrump rolls back protections for habitats of endangered speciesTrump rule says habitat destruction does not harm endangered species
