A new proposal from the Trump administration could significantly weaken habitat protections for endangered and threatened species across the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to change how the word “harm” is defined under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a move that environmental groups say could threaten wildlife already at risk of extinction. For over 50 years, the ESA has prohibited actions that harm endangered species, including damage to their habitats. This protection has been vital for species recovery efforts. The current proposal would remove habitat destruction from the definition of harm, … Continue reading Endangered Species Habitat Protections at Risk as 25K+ Public Comments Challenge ESA Rule Change