Trump administration weakens wildlife protections with new directive, tell me about this news in (https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/17/new-endangered-species-act-interpretation/)

The Trump administration has implemented significant changes to the interpretation and enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, narrowing protections for wildlife and their habitats.

The Guardian

Key aspects of the news include:

• Redefining “Harm”: The administration revised the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act to exclude habitat modification and degradation. Previously, protecting an animal’s habitat from being altered or destroyed was a cornerstone of preventing actions that could injure or kill wildlife.

  The Dartmouth+ 1

• Exempting Incidental Deaths: An internal memo signed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik interpreted the law to mean that harming or killing a protected animal is no longer illegal unless the action is specifically intended to cause harm or death. Under this directive, accidental or incidental deaths caused by commercial or economic activitiessuch as logging, mining, or industrial developmentwould be exempt from liability.

  Ground News

• Administration Rationale: The administration and supporting officials framed these adjustments as common-sense reforms designed to eliminate federal overreach, provide clarity for landowners, and end regulatory burdens on lawful land use and economic development.

  Central Florida Public Media

• Backlash and Legal Challenges: Environmental groups, scientists, and legal organizations have strongly criticized the changes, warning that stripping away habitat protections and exempting unintentional harm will devastate hundreds of imperiled species and drive them closer to extinction. Numerous states and conservation coalitions have responded by launching legal challenges and pushing back through legislative measures.

  The Guardian+ 1