Donald Trump‘s administration is facing two lawsuits over changes to endangered species protections. Twenty states and Washington, D.C., joined the legal challenges, accusing the administration of weakening federal environmental protections. The cases focus on changes to the Endangered Species Act.
Twenty states and Washington, DC are suing the Trump administration over changes to Endangered Species Act protections
According to Reuters, state attorneys general filed the two lawsuits on Wednesday. New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed the number of participating states. The legal challenges target rules issued by the Trump administration, with both lawsuits focusing on protections for threatened and endangered wildlife.
One lawsuit challenges a new definition of harm under the law. The rule removes the federal regulatory definition of “harm,” which environmental advocates say could allow certain activities within animal habitats without directly injuring the animals. Oil drilling and mining could therefore face fewer restrictions under the new interpretation. The rule is scheduled to take effect Sept. 14.
The second lawsuit challenges two additional rules. One rule removes the future use of broad protections for newly listed threatened species. Species-specific protections would instead require action from federal officials. The other rule changes how officials consider critical habitat designations.
Under the revised process, officials must consider certain economic impacts and other relevant factors when making critical habitat designations. States and environmental groups argue that the changes violate the Endangered Species Act.
Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973. The law has helped protect numerous species from extinction, including the California condor, grizzly bear, and humpback whale. Habitat loss remains a major concern among wildlife advocates.
The administration’s changes align with Trump’s broader regulatory goals. Trump has argued that regulations can constrain American businesses. His administration has also scaled back several environmental initiatives.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the new approach. He previously said the Endangered Species Act had been “weaponized.” Burgum argued that the law had blocked numerous development projects. He also said the changes better reflect the law’s original purpose.
The lawsuits now place the administration’s new wildlife rules under judicial scrutiny. The states will seek to challenge the changes through federal courts. The cases could help determine how broadly federal wildlife protections apply.
