Endangered Species Face New Threats as Protections Erode

WHO:

Alternet - Derrick Z. Jackson, nature photographer and fellow at the Center for Science and Democracy's Union of Concerned Scientists, warned about the changes to the Endangered Species Act.

Alternet - Interior Secretary Doug Burgum commented on the new rules.

WHAT:

Vox - The greatest threat to animals in the US and globally is the destruction of their habitat.

Alternet - The Trump administration released new rules pertaining to the Endangered Species Act, which deletes a critical definition of what constitutes "harm" to endangered species.

Alternet - The new rule becomes effective on September 14.

Alternet - Environmental groups have already sued the administration to block the changes.

WHERE:

Vox - The destruction of habitats is occurring in various locations, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands across the US.

WHEN:

Alternet - The new rules were released this week and will become effective on September 14.

WHY:

Alternet - The changes are seen as beneficial to oil and gas drillers, building contractors, mining companies, road construction groups, ranchers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who have criticized the previous broad interpretation of "harm."

Alternet - The Independent Petroleum Association of America claimed the Endangered Species Act was “destroying economic growth and job creation.”

HOW:

Alternet - The new rules will reduce unnecessary permitting, cut compliance costs, and eliminate confusion for landowners, small businesses, energy producers, farmers, ranchers, and local governments.

Alternet - The Supreme Court has been limiting wildlife protections, including a ruling that drastically limited the definition of a wetland.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 12:44 UTC)

Derrick Z. Jackson, a nature photographer and fellow at the Center for Science and Democracy's Union of Concerned Scientists, has raised alarms about recent changes to the Endangered Species Act following the release of new rules by Trump that remove a key definition of "harm" to endangered species. These changes, which are set to take effect on September 14, are viewed as advantageous for industries like oil and gas, construction, and ranching, while environmental groups have already initiated lawsuits to block the modifications. The destruction of habitats across the U.S. continues to pose the greatest threat to wildlife, with significant impacts being felt in grasslands, forests, and wetlands.