ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT UNDER ATTACK
At a time when species are under threats of climate change and overdevelopment, the Trump administration has decided to change the scope of protecting species under the Endangered Species Act from one that included habitat and disturbance to one of just including actual killing of a plant or animal, insisting that this was the original meaning of the phrase “do no harm.”
For over 50 years animal and plant habitats were always a consideration. This new rule is to go into effect in mid September, paving the way for lessening regulations for mining, logging, agriculture and development. A rule allowing “threatened” species to be protected as a group until studies could prove their status has also been eliminated, making it necessary to approve status one species at a time. Numerous environmental agencies filed suit against the administration.
Consider advocating for a return to previous policies.
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