Defend Endangered Species Act's habitat protections

The Trump administration's proposed rule change to eliminate habitat protections for endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act is deeply concerning for the future survival of many critically endangered plants and animals. By removing the longstanding definition of "harm" that has included destroying the places where these species live and breed, the administration would leave endangered species vulnerable to extinction from logging, mining, development and other activities that destroy their habitats. This move cuts at the heart of the Endangered Species Act's purpose to protect species from extinction caused by human activities. Habitat loss is the primary driver pushing species toward extinction. This rule change would allow activities that degrade or destroy habitats vital to endangered species under the guise that there was no intentional targeting of the species itself. However, the existing definition rightly recognizes that destroying a species' home is inherently harmful. From spotted owls to Florida panthers, bald eagles to gray wolves, countless species have been shielded from extinction precisely because the habitat protections forbid destroying the lands and waters they need to survive. Removing these crucial safeguards will accelerate the extinction crisis, eroding our nation's rich biological heritage and diversity. No meaningful endangered species recovery can occur without protecting the habitats they rely upon. By undermining this fundamental conservation principle, the administration is putting cultural and natural treasures at risk of permanent loss, robbing present and future generations. I urge the administration to reconsider this reckless rule change that privileges short-term economic interests over our irreplaceable wildlife and public lands held in public trust. The Endangered Species Act's habitat protections must be maintained to uphold our national commitment to stemming the extinction crisis.