Proposed change to definition of “harm” in the Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the Services or we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” in our Endangered Species Act (ESA or the Act) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of “harm,” which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term “take.” We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.
To see the notice in the Federal Register and submit your comments by May 19, 2025.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act
For more background information go to NPR article on the proposed rule change. https://www.npr.org/2025/04/17/nx-s1-5366814/endangered-species-act-change-harm-trump-rule
Thank you for sharing this, Joan. Not something I necessarily wanted to hear, but something we all need to consider as we prepare for supporting our Refuges and Hatcheries in the future.
This takes us at least a hundred years back before the introduction of ecology. Disturbing part of the eco system ripples through the other parts of the ecosystem, including endangered species.