Trump Administration Finalizes Two Rules Weakening Endangered Species Act Protections

September 17, 2026 at 07:39 AM2 min

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

The Trump administration is finalizing two regulations that weaken Endangered Species Act protections for wildlife. One rule ends automatic protections for newly listed threatened species, while another curbs critical habitat designations. The move follows other recent rollbacks, including rescinding the definition of 'harm' under the Act.

Key Facts

One rule rescinds the blanket 4(d) rule, ending automatic Endangered Species Act protections for newly listed threatened species.
A second rule aims to impede critical habitat designation by curbing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's discretion to exclude areas based on non-biological factors.
The Trump administration previously rescinded the regulatory definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act.
Sierra Club Wildlife Campaign Manager Ben Greuel said the decisions make it harder for imperiled wildlife to survive and recover.

The Two New Rules

The first rule rescinds the longstanding blanket 4(d) rule, which automatically extended protections from killing, injury, and harassment to newly listed threatened species. The second rule curbs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's discretion to exclude areas from critical habitat designation based on non-biological factors such as economic considerations. Both rules are being finalized in Washington, D.C., according to the announcement.

Recent Rollbacks

The administration recently rescinded the regulatory definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act. It has also proposed weakening protections for grizzly bears and finalized substantial cuts to designated critical habitat for the Canada lynx. These moves aim to reduce protections for imperiled plants and animals and prioritize development over conservation measures that have safeguarded wildlife for more than 50 years.

Sierra Club Response

Sierra Club Wildlife Campaign Manager Ben Greuel said the administration's decisions continue a steady attempt at dismantling the Endangered Species Act's longstanding protections. Greuel stated that removing automatic protections for newly threatened species and compelling exclusion of areas from critical habitat designations makes it harder for imperiled wildlife to survive and recover. Sierra Club is reviewing the administration's actions and evaluating all available options to ensure faithful implementation of the Act's protections.