The US Fish and Wildlife Service has updated its rules for implementing the Endangered Species Act, a move that could weaken protections for plants and animals. The changes end automatic protections for newly listed threatened species and revise how economic impacts are weighed when designating critical habitats.
The new rules revive policies from President Donald Trump's first term and come just a week after another contentious ESA rule change. Experts say the changes could lead to more plant and animal extinctions.
Conservation groups are criticizing the move, saying it will undermine safeguards for threatened species and create unnecessary hurdles for protection. The changes are expected to face legal challenges and are part of a broader effort by the administration to reshape implementation of the ESA.
