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The Trump administration has proposed four new rules designed to significantly limit protections under the Endangered Species Act, reversing some regulations set during the Biden administration. The rules aim to clear the way for increased oil drilling, logging, and mining in critical habitats.
One of the most contentious changes would allow the government to assess economic factors, such as lost revenue from development bans, before deciding whether to list a species. This directly conflicts with the ESA, which requires listing decisions to be based solely on the best available science. The proposals would also make it harder to protect species from future threats, like climate change, and replace the "4(d) rule," which gives threatened species the same level of protection as those designated as endangered.
“Trump’s proposals are a death sentence for wolverines, monarch butterflies, Florida manatees and so many other animals and plants that desperately need our help,” Stephanie Kurose, deputy director of government affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity, told E&E News.
The Trump administration will solicit public comment on the proposals for 30 days, beginning Friday. The administration will then write final rules, a process that could take up to two years. Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have said they will challenge the changes in court.
House public lands caucus formally endorses 'Public Lands in Public Hands Act'
The Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus yesterday announced its official endorsement of the bipartisan 'Public Lands in Public Hands Act'. This is the first bill endorsed by the caucus, which was founded by Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Ryan Zinke in May. The bill requires congressional approval for disposals of publicly accessible federal land tracts over 300 acres and for public land tracts over five acres that are accessible via a public waterway.
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Steve Pearce is a dangerous choice to lead the Bureau of Land Management... He routinely sides with billion-dollar companies that exploit our people, destroy our landscapes, and pollute our water and land.”
