New Endangered Species Act Changes Proposed by Trump Administration Would Harm Beloved Wildlife in the South

WASHINGTON – Today, the Trump Administration proposed a sweeping set of changes to the regulations that implement the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that if enacted would harm beloved wildlife and their habitats in the South.  These proposed rule changes seek to limit the scope of protections for threatened and endangered species and their habitats. The proposed changes also would make the process of listing species for legal protections more onerous and less scientific.

“Here in the South, the stakes are much higher because our region’s incredible biodiversity is already threatened by humanmade factors, including development and habitat change,” said Ramona McGee, Southern Environmental Law Center Wildlife Program leader. “It is unconscionable that this administration is recklessly attempting to remove more vital wildlife protections contrary to the will of the American people.”