The Trump administration proposed a rule change to the Endangered Species Act, narrowing the definition of "harm" to exclude habitat destruction. This would limit the Act's power to protect endangered species by only addressing direct harm to individual animals, not habitat degradation. Critics argue this will reverse conservation gains and allow increased logging, mining, and development in crucial habitats. The change is based on a dissenting Supreme Court opinion and is open for public comment for 30 days, with likely legal challenges expected.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.