Trump Administration Seeks to Redefine 'Harm' in Endangered Species Protections

The Trump administration has initiated a significant alteration to the half-century-old Endangered Species Act by proposing a new definition of 'harm' that could endanger countless wildlife species. Announced on April 16, 2025, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alongside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this rule seeks to remove the existing broad interpretation of harm, which currently includes habitat destruction. Instead, the administration advocates for a narrower definition that would only protect species from direct harm, such as intentional killing or injury.

Officials from the administration argue that the current broad definition creates burdensome regulations on businesses, particularly in sectors like drilling and logging. They contend that by easing these restrictions, it will facilitate the faster issuance of permits needed for development projects. Conversely, environmental advocates vehemently oppose the proposal, indicating that habitat loss is the leading cause of species endangerment. Andrew Bowman, president of Defenders of Wildlife, highlighted that the overwhelming majority of species listed under the Endangered Species Act face threats due to habitat destruction.

Critics assert that this change represents a considerable weakening of the protections that have been in place since the Act's establishment in 1973 by President Richard Nixon, potentially exacerbating the risks for many threatened species as habitat protection becomes nearly impossible. The debate over this proposal underscores a growing tension between environmental conservation efforts and economic development interests in the United States.