The Trump administration has finalized a rule redefining what constitutes harm to endangered species and habitats under the 1973 Endangered Species Act. This change allows for drilling, mining, farming, and real estate development in sensitive habitats.
Background
The Endangered Species Act had long prohibited habitat modification or degradation, which could harm or kill endangered animals by impacting their ability to breed and find food or shelter. The Trump administration argues that the previous definition of harm was outdated and that the new rule returns the interpretation of the ESA to its actual text and original intent.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the law’s approach had turned routine activity into a regulatory trap, driven up costs, and expanded federal authority beyond what Congress intended. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added that the new rule would benefit fishermen who suffered from overly broad and burdensome regulations.
Reactions
Environmental groups have decried the move, planning to challenge the change in court. Earthjustice attorney Kristen Boyles stated that there is no support for the Trump Administration’s rule, citing no scientific, legal, or public support. Gib Brogan, senior campaign director at Oceana, noted that habitat loss is the number one cause of extinction, and removing habitat protections removes one of the law’s most important safeguards.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
