Endangered and Threatened Species: Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat

Key Points

• 1The rule creates official protection for certain animal and plant species that are at risk of extinction or are already endangered
• 2When a species is listed, the government designates 'critical habitat' areas where the species must be protected from damage or destruction
• 3The protection can restrict some activities like development, logging, or mining in areas where endangered species live
• 4Businesses, property owners, and the public have until December 23, 2025 to submit comments on whether this rule should be adopted
• 5The rule requires federal agencies to consider impacts on endangered species when approving projects or permits

Key Dates