When the 2020 presidential election results were announced, many environmentalists couldn’t help feeling optimistic. Threatened and endangered species had not fared well under the Trump administration, and the incoming Biden administration has already indicated it will take strong steps in response to the extinction crisis. Vulnerable species like the Sierra Nevada red fox, Hermes copper butterfly and black-capped petrel could now be given protections that are long overdue.
For the last four years, this administration launched an unprecedented assault on the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Even though ESA and its conservation goals are incredibly popular with Americans, the administration chose to favor industry actors over conservation. The administration has not only prioritized the fossil fuel sector over conservation, it has prioritized higher-pollution oil and coal energy over cleaner renewable energy.
Even as we move towards the inauguration of a new president, we can still expect many last-minute rules from the Trump administration. Already released as “midnight” regulations are two that significantly change how critical habitat is designated under ESA
How New Rules Shrink Habitat for Protected Wildlife
For the last four years, this administration launched an unprecedented assault on the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Even though ESA and its conservation goals are incredibly popular with Americans, the administration chose to favor industry actors over conservation. The administration has not only prioritized the fossil fuel sector over conservation, it has prioritized higher-pollution oil and coal energy over cleaner renewable energy.
Even as we move towards the inauguration of a new president, we can still expect many last-minute rules from the Trump administration. Already released as “midnight” regulations are two that significantly change how critical habitat is designated under ESA
How New Rules Shrink Habitat for Protected Wildlife