Trump administration rule weakens protections for threatened species

The Trump administration finalized a rule on Friday that weakens protections for threatened species by removing regulatory language intended to prevent damage to wildlife habitats. The change limits the scope of the 50-year-old Endangered Species Act, which is credited with helping save species such as the bald eagle and California condor from extinction. Interior and Commerce said the final rule is expected to reduce permitting and compliance costs for energy producers, farms, fishing interests and others. The rule, aligned with President Donald Trump’s push to reduce regulations, was proposed in April of last year. It removes habitat destruction from the definition of “harm,” allowing developers to impair species’ living places as long as wildlife is not directly injured or killed. The act still requires agencies to evaluate impacts when considering permits on federal lands and waters.