20 US states sue Trump administration over endangered species rule changes

September 10, 2026 at 05:52 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Attorneys general from 20 Democratic-led states and Washington, DC, filed two lawsuits on Wednesday challenging the Trump administration's rollback of endangered species protections. The suits target new rules that narrow the definition of 'harm' and reduce safeguards for threatened species and critical habitats. The legal action comes less than two months after the Interior and Commerce departments announced the final rules.

Key Facts

The lawsuits were filed by 20 Democratic-led states plus the District of Columbia on Wednesday.
One lawsuit challenges the administration's narrowed definition of 'harm' under the 1973 Endangered Species Act.
The second lawsuit challenges two rules: one eliminating broad protections for newly threatened species, and another requiring consideration of private company objections before designating critical habitats.
Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown said the administration is trying to undermine the law and the will of Congress and the people.
The final rules were announced less than two months ago by the Department of Interior and Department of Commerce.

Legal Challenges

The first lawsuit argues that the government has unlawfully narrowed the definition of 'harm' in the Endangered Species Act, which has long been interpreted to include threats to species' habitats. The states called the new rule a 'reversal of staggering proportions' that would allow mining and oil drilling in sensitive habitats unless activities are 'directed immediately and intentionally' at particular animals. Environmental groups have also filed lawsuits over the change. The second lawsuit challenges a rule that eliminates wide protections for newly threatened species unless the US Fish and Wildlife Service creates species-specific regulations. It also challenges a rule requiring the government to consider objections from private companies before declaring areas 'critical habitats'.

Administration's Position

The Trump administration has pledged to roll back environmental protections in favor of prioritizing economic growth. 'Drill, baby, drill' was a popular slogan during Trump's 2024 re-election campaign, as he promised to open protected lands to greater oil exploration and private development. Critics of the regulation-slashing fear irreversible changes that could push species to extinction.