Changes Come to Endangered Species Act Regulations
On August 12, 2019, the Trump Administration released final regulations bringing addressing the difference between a “threatened” species listing and “endangered” listing. Under the new regulations, species that are categorized as “threatened” will not automatically receive the same protections as those listed as “endangered.” Additionally, instead of drawing attention to climate change, the regulations allows more attention to be drawn to the economic impact of protecting a species. The new rules potentially reduce the amount of habitat designated as critical for wildlife.
These regulations apply to ESA sections 4 and 7. Section 4 deals with adding species to, or removing species from, the ESA’s protections and designating critical habitat. Section 7 covers consultation with other federal agencies.
The rules affecting both sections 4 and 7 will go into effect on September 26, 2019.
More information can be found HERE.