The Interior and Commerce departments unveiled a proposed retrenchment of the Endangered Species Act that would remove key provisions, such as giving similar protection to species whether they are considered “endangered” or “threatened,” said the Washington Post. The administration would also strike language that instructs federal officials to ignore economic impacts when deciding how wildlife should be protected.
“Conservationists who worried about the changes, expected for months, said their fears have been realized,” said the Post. “They decried numerous aspects of the proposal, including the removal of a requirement compelling federal agencies to consult with scientists and wildlife agencies before approving permits for ventures such as oil and gas drilling and logging.” The Post said several of the proposed revisions were similar to proposals by House Natural Resources chairman Rob Bishop of Utah, who has said he would love to invalidate the Endangered Species Act.
“The Trump Administration is dedicated to being a good neighbor and being a better partner with the communities in which we operate,” the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a statement. “One thing we heard over and over again was that ESA implementation was not consistent and often times very confusing to navigate.”
To read the Interior Department announcement and for a link to the administration’s proposal, click here.