Trump Administration Proposes Rewriting Definition of 'Harm' to Endangered Species A Threat to Ecological Integrity?

<br><br>**Title** Trump Administration Proposes Rewriting Definition of 'Harm' to Endangered Species A Threat to Ecological Integrity?<br><br>The Trump administration has taken another step towards relaxing environmental regulations by proposing a rule change that would redefine harm in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This proposed change, jointly submitted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, would significantly alter the way endangered species are protected. The new definition would exclude degradation of habitat, effectively opening the door to human activities like timbering, oil drilling, and mining in ecologically sensitive environments.<br><br>Environmental groups are sounding the alarm, warning that this rule change would allow for devastating habitat destruction that could push many species to extinction. For decades, the ESA has been credited with saving numerous iconic American species from extinction, including bald eagles, gray wolves, Florida manatees, and humpback whales. The key to its success has been its definition of harm, which recognizes that destroying a species' habitat is, in fact, harming that species.<br><br>However, the Trump administration's proposal would gut this crucial provision, allowing for the destruction of habitats that are essential to the survival of endangered animals. Environmental law organization Earthjustice has pledged to challenge this proposal in court, citing its commitment to protecting species and their habitats. Noah Greenwald, codirector of endangered species at the Center for Biological Diversity, minced no words in his criticism of the proposal, stating, There's just no way to protect animals and plants from extinction without protecting the places they live... Trump is trying to drive a knife through the heart of the Endangered Species Act.<br><br>The proposed rule change will now be open to public comment for 30 days, allowing Americans to weigh in on this critical issue. With so much at stake, it's imperative that we stand up for our planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants.<br><br>**Key Takeaways**<br><br>* The Trump administration is proposing a rule change that would redefine harm in the Endangered Species Act.<br>* The new definition would exclude degradation of habitat, allowing for human activities like timbering, oil drilling, and mining in ecologically sensitive environments.<br>* Environmental groups are sounding the alarm, warning that this rule change would push many species to extinction.<br>* The ESA has been credited with saving numerous iconic American species from extinction.<br>* The proposal will be open to public comment for 30 days.<br><br>**Call to Action**<br><br>Join us in standing up for our planet and its most vulnerable inhabitants. Share your thoughts on the proposed rule change and urge your representatives to protect the Endangered Species Act. Together, we can make a difference for our planet's future.