Overview

• The Trump administration has proposed rescinding the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which currently protects habitats from degradation.
• The plan is part of a broader effort to ease regulatory burdens on businesses and promote economic development, particularly in industries like logging, mining, and energy.
• Environmental groups have expressed strong opposition, arguing that the changes could result in habitat destruction and increased risks to endangered species.
• The proposal will undergo a 30-day public comment period following its publication in the Federal Register, expected on Thursday.
• The ESA, credited with saving species like the bald eagle and California condor, has been a cornerstone of U.S. conservation efforts since its enactment in 1973.