Wait, What? Feds Scrap 'Harm' Definition for Endangered Species
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service are scrapping the current definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act because it doesn’t match the law’s true meaning. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered species and their habitats, making rules clearer and more straightforward. No new costs or deadlines are expected, but this update helps everyone understand the law better.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Rescind Regulatory “Harm” Definition
If you work on protecting endangered species or their habitats, the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service propose to remove the regulatory definition of “harm” from Endangered Species Act rules because it conflicts with the statutory meaning of “take.” The agencies say this change is meant to make the law clearer and more straightforward and that no new costs or deadlines are expected.
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Key Dates
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