Trump Administration proposes to relax rules protecting endangered species

The Trump administration proposed on Wednesday four new regulations that would rollback Biden's era regulations that strengthened the protections for endangered animals.

This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce what he calls burdensome federal regulations on businesses. Conservation groups warned that the changes could threaten the survival of endangered species, including Florida manatees and monarch butterflies.

The Endangered species Act is an important regulatory consideration when agencies decide whether to issue permits for oil and natural gas, mining and electric transmission, and other operations in federal waters and lands. Federal law requires agencies to assess the environmental impact of any proposed industrial operations that may threaten endangered species.

Changes include a greater weighting of economic and national-security impacts in determining whether a geographical area should be designated as crucial to the survival a species. These areas, also known as critical habitats, are subject to special management requirements under the ESA.

A second proposal calls for specific rules that are tailored to the threatened species, rather than relying solely on an overarching rule which protects all species.

The agency stated that the revisions will balance infrastructure development with conservation.

These actions "reaffirm our dedication to science-based conservaton that works hand in hand with America's priorities for energy, agriculture and infrastructure," U.S. In a press release, Fish and Wildlife Service director Brian Nesvik stated.

By restoring predictability and clarity, we give the regulated community more confidence, while keeping our focus firmly on recovery outcomes rather than paperwork.

'DEATH SENTENCE'

The Interior Department announced in a press release that it will restore the regulatory language used during Trump's initial administration, between 2019 and 2020.

In 2024, the administration of Joe Biden, then President of the United States at that time had restored Trump's protections.

Stephanie Kurose said that Trump's proposals were a death penalty for many animals and plants, including wolverines and monarch butterflies.

She said: "We expected Trump to attack wildlife again, but this dumpster-fire plan is beyond cruel." (Reporting and editing by Franklin Paul, Bill Berkrot, and Nichola Groom)

(source: Reuters)