US states sue Trump over weakening of endangered species protections | Wildlife News
Democratic Attorneys General Sue Trump Administration Over Endangered Species Protections
A coalition of Democratic attorneys general from 20 states and the District of Columbia has filed two lawsuits against the Trump administration, claiming the government is unlawfully weakening protections for endangered species.
The lawsuits were filed on Wednesday, less than two months after the Department of Interior and the Department of Commerce announced new regulations aimed at facilitating development in areas that host endangered species.
“President Trump’s administration is attempting to undermine the law and the will of Congress, as well as the majority of Americans who support safeguards for endangered species,” said Washington Attorney General Nick Brown at a news conference. “Instead of stewardship, the administration’s approach to our lands and waters is one of exploitation.”
One of the lawsuits challenges a recent reinterpretation of the term “harm” in the Endangered Species Act of 1973, legislation designed to protect species at risk of extinction. Historically, “harm” has been understood to include threats to the habitats of these species. The new rules, as asserted by the states, represent a significant departure from this interpretation, allowing activities such as mining and oil drilling in sensitive habitats as long as those actions are not directed explicitly at specific animals.
Environmental advocacy groups have also joined in the legal battle against these changes.
The second lawsuit contests two specific regulatory adjustments: one removing protections for newly threatened species unless the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service establishes regulations tailored to those species; and the other requiring government agencies to consider objections from private companies before designating areas as “critical habitats.”
The plaintiffs argue that these modifications strip away essential safeguards established by Congress, potentially endangering species that have been previously protected. The 1973 Endangered Species Act has been credited with the recovery of various animal populations, including condors, grizzly bears, and humpback whales. It is recognized as a pivotal achievement in U.S. conservation efforts.
The Trump administration has committed to rolling back environmental protections in favor of stimulating economic growth. During his 2024 re-election campaign, Trump promoted the mantra “Drill, baby, drill,” advocating for increased oil exploration and development in protected areas.
Critics warn that these regulatory changes could lead to irreversible harm and push endangered species closer to extinction. “Caring for our wildlife and our environment is part of caring for our future,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated. “Yet President Trump seems to care only for himself and his industry allies.”
In response, the Trump administration contends that it is addressing “regulatory overreach” that exceeds Congressional intent. A spokesperson for the Interior Department affirmed the administration’s commitment to upholding the Endangered Species Act as initially written, rejecting interpretations pushed by advocacy groups.
