The Trump administration has changed how the United States enforces one of its most important wildlife laws, making it easier for development projects to move forward in areas where endangered animals live.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of the Interior finalized a new rule that changes how the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is applied. The biggest change is to the legal definition of “harm.”
For decades, the law protected not only endangered animals themselves but also the habitats they need to survive. Destroying or damaging important habitat could be considered harmful, even if no animal was directly killed or injured.
Under the new rule, habitat destruction alone will generally no longer be considered “harm.” This means activities such as oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and some construction projects may be allowed in important wildlife areas, as long as protected animals are not directly injured or killed.
Wildlife extinction
Conservation groups say the change could have serious consequences because habitat loss is the biggest cause of species extinction worldwide.
Many endangered animals depend on specific forests, wetlands, grasslands or rivers to find food, raise young and avoid predators. Even if individual animals survive development projects, losing their habitat can make it difficult for populations to recover.
Environmental organizations warned that the rule could put more animals at risk of extinction by allowing more development in critical wildlife areas.
Administration says rule follows the law
The Trump administration says the previous interpretation of the Endangered Species Act went beyond what Congress intended when it passed the law in 1973.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said federal agencies had used the law too broadly, creating unnecessary restrictions for landowners and businesses.
The Endangered Species Act, passed in 1973, is considered one of the strongest wildlife protection laws in the world.
It has helped prevent the extinction of many species, including the bald eagle, American alligator and California condor.
The latest rule is one of several changes to environmental and wildlife policies made during President Donald Trump‘s administration. Conservation groups are expected to continue challenging the decision in court.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theanimalreader.com
