Applaud States Standing Up to Trump Over Endangered Species

A coalition of 20 states and the District of Columbia is taking the Trump administration to court over new rules that weaken protections under the Endangered Species Act. The states argue that the administration unlawfully rolled back safeguards that have protected threatened wildlife and their habitats for decades.

One challenged rule narrows the definition of “harm” to endangered wildlife, reducing protections against habitat destruction. The states are also challenging changes to critical-habitat designations and protections for newly listed threatened species, arguing that the new regulations leave vulnerable plants and animals with fewer safeguards.

The Endangered Species Act has helped protect and restore species including the bald eagle, grizzly bear, humpback whale, California condor, and brown pelican. The states argue that the administration failed to adequately explain its reversal of longstanding protections or fully consider the environmental consequences.

Applaud these states for standing up for endangered species and taking the Trump administration to court!