The administration rescinds the "harm" rule under the Endangered Species Act to streamline wildlife protection and reduce regulatory burdens.
The administration announced the formal rescission of the "harm" rule under the Endangered Species Act, a move that shifts how the federal government defines what constitutes a threat to wildlife. For over 50 years, the rule dictated that "harm" included significant habitat degradation, even if the animals were not immediately killed or injured. Under the new interpretation, species will only be considered "harmed" if they are directly injured or killed, allowing for more development on critical lands. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that the change restores common sense and reduces costs for families and industries by eliminating duplicative permitting requirements. While the administration argues the move follows the original intent of the law, environmental groups and several tribes have filed lawsuits to challenge the decision. Critics argue that because habitat loss is a primary driver of extinction, removing this protection could jeopardize the survival of many imperiled species. The administration maintains that the change provides much-needed certainty for landowners while still protecting the nation's most iconic wildlife.