Endangered Species Act Protections Under Threat

By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer

Wildlife across the country could soon lose one of its most important legal protections.

A newly finalized federal rule removes the long-standing regulatory definition that recognized certain habitat destruction as "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For decades, that definition helped protect endangered species by recognizing that destroying nesting sites, wetlands, forests, and other essential habitat can injure or kill wildlife, even when the harm isn't immediate or direct. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 12.

This change could make it more difficult to hold developers and other projects accountable when habitat loss threatens endangered species, placing wildlife at even greater risk. Conservation organizations have already filed lawsuits challenging the rule, but Congress is also considering legislation that could further weaken the ESA.

Ohio Animal Advocates continues to support strong protections for endangered wildlife. If you haven't already, please take action through our current Endangered Species Act Action Alert. Every message sent to Congress helps demonstrate that Americans value science-based wildlife conservation and strong federal protections for our nation's most vulnerable species.

Together, we can speak up before these protections disappear.

Take Action

1. You can help conserve America's biodiversity by protecting endangered species by submitting an action alert.

2. For more information on how to advocate for protective policies at the state and local level and supporting conservation efforts, visit our Wildlife Protection advocacy page.

3. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.