Trump administration weakens protections for threatened animal species

The Trump administration finalized a major change on Friday to how threatened species are considered in agency actions, removing regulatory language aimed at preventing damage to wildlife habitats.
The change limits the reach of the 50-year-old Endangered Species Act, which is credited with helping to save the bald eagle, California condor and numerous other animals and plants from extinction.
The departments of Interior and Commerce said the final rule will reduce permitting and compliance costs for energy producers, farms, fishing interests and more. The move is aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump’s goal to reduce regulations that he says constrain American businesses.
“This action restores common sense, respects private property, provides much-needed certainty for landowners and follows the statute Congress actually passed,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement.