List of Endangered Animals Beating Extinction as Trump Cuts Protections

A recently enacted rule change under the Trump administration to the Endangered Species Act has sparked outrage from lawmakers and animal advocacy groups, as fears grow that it may jeopardize endangered species, particularly since many have survived extinction due to ESA protections. The Endangered Species Act, signed by President Richard Nixon in 1973, is considered one of the most crucial tools for endangered species recovery in the United States.

It is valued for its recovery plans and critical habitat protections. The new Trump-era amendment, finalized in July and implemented on Monday, nullifies the definition of harm in the act. The original definition included unintentional habitat impacts that could adversely affect breeding, feeding, or sheltering habits of endangered species.

With this definition removed, critics worry that the safeguard previously shielding endangered species' habitats from activities like logging, new fisheries, or real estate development is no longer in place. While the Department of Interior and Department of Commerce claim the change will end years of federal overreach, Oceana Vice President Beth Lowell emphasized that unintended threats to endangered species are still detrimental.

She stated, "The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act will remove the core safeguards that have prevented the extinction of 99% of species protected under the act." Oceana Fisheries Campaign Director Gib Brogan expressed particular concern for North Atlantic right whales, with only 380 left in the world. He stressed the need for careful management of any activity that may harm or injure the whales.

Previously, for a federally permitted activity to impact endangered species, it had to undergo a thorough review process that could necessitate mitigation efforts to minimize impact. With the rule change, such harm is no longer considered intentional, potentially allowing developments to proceed without mitigation efforts, posing significant threats to species like turtles and whales.

Although the changes took effect on Monday, opposition is already in motion. Lawmakers have proposed measures to block the Trump administration's change, including a joint resolution from Senators Adam Schiff and Sheldon Whitehouse and a bill from Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Mike Quigley. Despite the impact on land and freshwater species, Oceana is awaiting any policy adjustments for marine species by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Oceana reminds that the ESA has a legacy of responsibly managing human activities and recovering threatened and endangered species over the past 50 years. Brogan expressed concern that the Trump administration's abrupt changes could sacrifice the recovery of many species.