From piping plovers to dragonflies, federal changes could threaten endangered Midwest wildlife
Conservation groups say the rule change could leave 1,700 listed species with weaker habitat safeguards.
- On July 17, the Trump administration redefined "harm" under the Endangered Species Act to exclude significant habitat modification, removing automatic protections for threatened species and allowing areas to avoid "critical habitat" labels based on economic impacts.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the policy shift, claiming federal agencies previously abused the act to "obstruct lawful land use" and burden American families, arguing the changes restore the statute's original intent while reducing regulatory costs.
- Earthjustice attorney Ben Levitan warned that habitat destruction is the "biggest driver of extinction," and experts state the changes threaten sensitive species like the Hine's emerald dragonfly and the Dixie Valley toad by allowing habitat-degrading activities.
- Environmental groups represented by Earthjustice sued the administration last month to restore the prior definition of harm, while two members of Congress introduced the Safeguarding Endangered Species Act on July 24 to reinstate protections.
- As changes take effect next month, managing attorney Kristen Boyles fears the loss of mandatory habitat conservation plans, despite 78 percent of respondents in an International Fund for Animal Welfare poll supporting the act's goals.
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Rallies planned for Aug. 29 to defend endangered species protections
The Endangered Species Coalition, Oceana and the Surfrider Foundation will assemble elected officials, concerned residents, business leaders, fishing families, dive operators and other Florida Keys stakeholders for a Lunch & Learn focused on protecting marine wildlife, the Endangered Species Act and the economy that depends on clean water and healthy reefs. The event will take […]
As federal protections change, Nevada’s endangered species face new uncertainty
The federal government has rescinded the longstanding definition of “harm” in the Endangered Species Act, which previously prevented significant habitat modification or degradation that impaired essential behavior patterns of listed species.
Chicago Tribune
From piping plovers to dragonflies, federal changes could threaten endangered Midwest wildlife
The Trump administration's changes to the Endangered Species Act remove protections for animal habitats, putting many at risk, environmentalists say.
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