Trump administration weakens endangered species law | courier

The so-called Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 regulates the protection of threatened and endangered species. The law has been overstretched and “abused” for years, said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This will no longer be possible due to the new regulation.

Criticism from environmentalists

“For years, federal agencies have abused the ESA law to impede legitimate land uses and burden American families and businesses,” Burgum said. The new regulation primarily concerns a new legal definition of the term “damage” to animals and plants and their habitats, which ultimately makes the protective regulations less strict.

Environmental organizations criticized that the change made could facilitate industrial activities with harmful effects on ecosystems. The Earthjustice organization announced through its lawyer Kristen Boyle that it would challenge the government’s new regulations in court.