NOAAProposed Rule
Rescinding the Definition of Harm under the Endangered Species Act
EnvironmentAgriculture
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Summary
This proposed rule would change how the federal government defines what counts as 'harm' to endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The change could make it easier for businesses and developers to operate in areas with endangered animals, since fewer activities might be considered harmful.
Key Points
- 1The rule would rescind (cancel) the current definition of 'harm' that protects endangered species from indirect damage, like habitat destruction
- 2Under the current rules, harming an endangered species includes destroying its home or changing its environment; this rule would narrow that protection
- 3The change could affect construction projects, logging, mining, and other development activities that impact wildlife habitats
- 4Environmental groups and wildlife advocates oppose this change, while some businesses and developers support making regulations less restrictive
- 5This is a proposed rule from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), so it is still being considered and has not been finalized yet
Key Dates
Published
April 17, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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