Trump Administration Guts Wildlife Protections Under ESA
Key Questions
What change did the Trump administration make to the Endangered Species Act?
The administration narrowed the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act, reducing protections for threatened species. This opens the door for more drilling, mining, and development on public lands.
How does this affect New Mexico specifically?
The rule change increases risks to endangered species in New Mexico by allowing expanded development activities. Over the last four years, companies have filed more than 12,000 mining claims in the state, surpassing the total from the previous century.
What responses are expected from conservationists?
Conservationists are planning legal challenges to the new rule. Legal actions are anticipated as New Mexico's endangered species face a greater risk of extinction under the weakened protections.
The administration narrowed the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act, reducing protections for threatened species. This opens the door for more drilling, mining, and development on public lands in New Mexico. Conservationists are planning legal challenges.