Trump Administration Moves to Gut a Core Endangered Species Protection
An internal memo reinterprets the law so that only the intentional killing of animals, not collateral harm, is illegal.
The Trump administration's move to reinterpret the Endangered Species Act has significant implications for conservation efforts in the United States. By limiting the definition of "take" to only include intentional killing of animals, the administration is effectively gutting a core protection for endangered species. This change could have far-reaching consequences, including increased harm to species from human activities such as development, mining, and infrastructure projects.
The Endangered Species Act has been a cornerstone of conservation law in the US since its passage in 1973. The law's protections have been crucial in recovering populations of iconic species like the bald eagle, gray wolf, and American alligator. However, many species remain threatened or endangered, and this new interpretation could hinder efforts to recover their populations. The change is also likely to be met with resistance from environmental groups and lawmakers who are concerned about the impact on biodiversity and ecosystem health.
What's next to watch is how this reinterpretation plays out in practice and how courts respond to potential challenges. The administration's move is likely to be met with lawsuits from environmental groups and states that are concerned about the impact on their conservation efforts. Additionally, Congress may also weigh in on the issue, potentially through legislative action or oversight hearings. As the debate unfolds, it's likely that the issue will become a flashpoint in the broader discussion about environmental policy and the role of regulation in protecting the natural world.
Originally reported by nytimes.com. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.