Trump Administration Proposes Major Rollbacks to Endangered Species Act Protections
The Trump administration proposes significant changes to the Endangered Species Act, limiting protections and requiring economic considerations, sparking warnings about increased extinction risks.
Overview
- The Trump administration is proposing significant rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act, aiming to limit protections for threatened and endangered species across the United States.
- Key changes include eliminating the "blanket rule" for newly classified threatened species and requiring time-consuming, species-specific protection rules instead of automatic safeguards.
- The proposals also mandate considering economic impacts when designating critical habitats, a move Interior Secretary Doug Burgum states balances species protection with economic livelihoods.
- Environmentalists and scientists warn these changes could significantly delay efforts to save imperiled species and exacerbate global extinction rates due to habitat loss.
- These actions respond to calls from industries and Republicans for less restrictive regulations, while petitions are being filed to seek continued protections for endangered species.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced account of the Trump administration's proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act. They provide equal space to both proponents, citing economic growth and regulatory overreach, and opponents, who warn of delays in species protection. The reporting includes diverse perspectives and relevant historical context without adopting a particular stance.
"The proposed changes include the elimination of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “blanket rule” that automatically protects animals and plants when they are classified as threatened."
NBC News"Critics argue the landmark 1973 environmental law has been wielded too broadly, to the detriment of economic growth."
NPR"Environmentalists warned the changes could cause yearslong delays in efforts to save species such as the monarch butterfly, Florida manatee, California spotted owl and North American wolverine."
ABC NewsArticles (6)
FAQ
The proposals include eliminating the 'blanket rule' for newly classified threatened species, requiring species-specific protection rules instead of automatic safeguards, and mandating consideration of economic impacts when designating critical habitats.
The revised definition narrows 'harm' to only direct killing or collecting of species, excluding indirect harms like habitat destruction, which allows more mining, drilling, and development that threaten critical habitats.
Environmentalists warn that the rollbacks could delay recovery efforts, increase extinction risks, and lead to habitat loss, thereby accelerating global extinction rates.
Environmental groups have submitted over 150,000 opposing comments and announced lawsuits against the rollbacks; states like California and Washington have sued over related rule repeals to protect environmental laws.
The rollbacks respond to calls from industries and Republican lawmakers seeking fewer regulatory restrictions, balancing species protection with economic and energy development priorities.
History
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