BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration moved forward with plans to dismantle key protections for endangered species and their habitats on Wednesday. These changes, aimed at streamlining regulations under the Endangered Species Act, are seen as a reversal of the protections that were implemented under the Biden administration.
The proposed amendments include eliminating the 'blanket rule' which automatically offered protections to species classified as threatened. Instead, federal agencies will be required to develop specific regulations for each species, a process that may lead to significant delays in conservation efforts.
Environmental advocates, such as Stephanie Kurose from the Center for Biological Diversity, have expressed deep concerns regarding these changes. We would have to wait until these poor animals are almost extinct before we can start protecting them. That’s absurd and heartbreaking, Kurose stated. Critically threatened species like the monarch butterfly, manatee, California spotted owl, and North American wolverine may be at risk as the administration contemplates these alterations.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that the administration aims to restore the Endangered Species Act to its original framework, while balancing the needs of those whose livelihoods depend on land and natural resources. He stated that these revisions would facilitate better economic decisions regarding habitat protections.
The proposed changes come amid global concerns over accelerating extinctions and habitat loss. Critics argue the revisions prioritize economic growth over environmental conservation, prompting extensive discussions about the future of wildlife protections in the U.S.
As the debate continues, the Biden administration's previous actions to safeguard environmental standards face significant challenges, suggesting a contentious path forward for endangered species legislation.
