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Endangered Species Act Attacks Keep Coming but We Can't Give Up

Dear John,

Last month, we let you know about a new rule proposed by the Trump administration that would undermine the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by making it harder to protect the habitat that is critical for species' survival. As soon as the comment period on that proposal closed, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published another rule change ([link removed]) that also targets critical habitat designation under the ESA. These attacks are relentless, but we can't give up--we must fight every single one of them.

The newest proposed regulations would expand the USFWS's ability to exclude areas essential to the conservation of threatened and endangered species from designation as critical habitat under the ESA. Among other problematic provisions, it states that the USFWS must exclude such areas if the economic benefits of using the land for development, such as for oil and gas extraction, grazing, and logging, are greater than those of protecting the area for wildlife (except in cases where extinction will result). These changes would grant economic considerations outsized weight in decisions about habitat, which is inconsistent with the ESA's intent that species' recovery needs should be prioritized and should be determined using the best available science.

Designation of critical habitat is a vital tool available under the ESA to help conserve species. Critical habitat is specific geographic areas that contain features essential to the conservation of a threatened or endangered species, including shelter, water, food, and other nutritional requirements; areas for breeding and raising young; and adequate space for animals to engage in normal growth and behaviors. Designation of critical habitat is more important than ever as species face increasing habitat loss due to conversion, pollution, and climate change.

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What You Can Do
The USFWS is accepting comments from the public on the new rule. Please submit a comment ([link removed]) before the October 8 deadline asking the agency to withdraw this proposal.

Share this eAlert with your family, friends, and co-workers, and encourage them to submit a comment, too. Thank you for taking action on behalf of wildlife!

Sincerely,

Cathy Liss
President

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Note: When you submit comments through AWI's website, your name and comments will be publicly viewable on the official comment page at Regulations.gov. You may also submit your comments directly at [link removed] ([link removed]), where you may choose not to provide contact information.

Photo by Gary Leavens

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Animal Welfare Institute
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The Animal Welfare Institute is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 1951 and dedicated to reducing animal suffering caused by people. We seek better treatment of animals everywhere: in the laboratory, on the farm, in commerce, at home, and in the wild.

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