Trump Rule Strips Habitat Protections From Endangered Species Act

The Interior and Commerce departments finalized a rule July 10, 2026, narrowing "harm" under the Endangered Species Act to direct killing only, removing habitat safeguards for the first time since 1995. The change permits logging, mining, and development across wildlife ranges. The ESA has prevented extinction of 99% of its 1,700-plus listed species—a record tied to habitat protection. The rule faces likely Supreme Court challenge.