Conservation Advocate Accuses President of Sabotaging Endangered Species Act
On Wednesday, the Trump administration revealed a proposed change that, according to environmental activists, “could eliminate nearly all habitat protections for endangered species across the nation.” This significant alteration involves redefining a crucial term in the foundational wildlife preservation law of the United States.
The proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) were released by two federal bodies, aiming to redefine “harm” as it applies to the flora and fauna safeguarded by the landmark 1973 act. The U.S. Department of the Interior has stated that the act has prevented the extinction of 99% of the species it lists.
According to the new rules suggested by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), habitat destruction, the primary cause of species extinction, would no longer qualify as “harm.” Critics argue that this redefinition by the Trump administration is a move to facilitate more environmentally destructive activities such as logging, mining, and the expansion of fossil fuel industries, thereby threatening species protected under the ESA.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) has expressed that this change would pave the way for various industries to significantly damage natural habitats and drive numerous species towards extinction.
UPDATE: Trump Administration’s Proposed Rule Threatens Nationwide Habitat Protections
The Center for Biological Diversity posted an update today stating that the Trump administration’s new rule could end habitat protections for endangered species across the country. They emphasized that without safeguarding the habitats, species protection is unachievable.
More info: biodiv.us/42EnuQH
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— Center for Biological Diversity (@biologicaldiversity.org) April 16, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Noah Greenwald, CBD’s co-director of endangered species, harshly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, accusing him of attempting to severely damage the Endangered Species Act. “We refuse to allow him to obliterate America’s endangered wildlife, and I am confident the courts will reject this extreme attack on conservation,” he stated. “Protecting the habitats of these species is essential, yet the Trump administration is setting the stage for unprecedented destruction of these habitats.”
“The administration’s disregard for endangered species is limitless, but the majority of Americans understand the severe consequences of destroying our natural world,” Greenwald continued. “No one voted for the extinction of species like the spotted owl, Florida panther, or grizzly bear.”
The CBD highlighted how the Supreme Court has previously confirmed that the definition of harm includes habitat destruction, which is crucial for the protection and recovery of endangered species.
Andrew Bowman, president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, expressed dismay on Wednesday, noting, “Despite the Endangered Species Act being the most effective tool in America for preventing species extinction, enjoying a 99% success rate, and having widespread support across the political spectrum and nation, the Trump administration is determined to undermine it to benefit industrial interests.”
“Most wildlife on the endangered or threatened lists are there because they have lost their habitats,” Bowman added. “This latest attempt to redefine ‘harm’ to exclude habitat destruction will place even more species at risk. We are committed to fighting this action and continuing to protect our nation’s wildlife and wild places.”
Drew Caputo, vice president of litigation for lands, wildlife, and oceans at Earthjustice, accused the Trump administration on Wednesday of “attempting to redefine basic biological principles.”
“Endangered species, like all living creatures, need a safe place to call home,” Caputo noted. “This ill-conceived proposal jeopardizes decades of progress in protecting and restoring endangered species. We are ready to take legal action to prevent America from turning its back on its endangered wildlife.”
Previously, Trump had targeted the ESA in his current term by issuing an executive order to declare a “national energy emergency,” promoting his aggressive fossil fuel agenda. The order stated that neither the ESA nor the Marine Mammal Protection Act should obstruct fossil fuel development.
The proposed change to the definition of “harm” in the ESA accompanies the Trump administration’s broader efforts, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, to dismantle federal agencies including the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA. Trump’s appointments to key positions are often at odds with the missions of the agencies they lead.
In response to the administration’s proposal, Sierra Club executive director Ben Jealous remarked, “In Donald Trump’s vision, future generations may only know iconic species like the bald eagle, blue whale, and grizzly bear through photographs.”
“A future with the ESA means these species have a fighting chance to survive,” Jealous added. “We are committed to defending this law and preserving our wildlife for future generations.”
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