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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2025-20549, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to update the rules for how animals and plants get listed as endangered or threatened and how their important habitats are protected. These changes will make the process clearer and easier to understand for everyone involved. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until December 22, 2025, to share them—so don’t miss out!
2025-20551, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Interagency Cooperation Regulations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service want to update how they work with other agencies to protect endangered plants and animals. These changes clarify rules to keep teamwork smooth and species safe, without adding big costs or delays. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 22, 2025!
2026-14633, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating how it protects threatened plants and animals. Starting August 20, 2026, they’re ending the automatic 'blanket rule' that used to apply to all newly listed threatened species, meaning protections will be more tailored. This change affects landowners, businesses, and conservation groups, aiming for smarter, clearer rules without extra costs or delays.
2026-14629, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated rules about how they decide which lands become critical habitats for endangered plants and animals. Now, they’ll clearly weigh economic, security, and other impacts before protecting an area, making the process more open and predictable. These changes start August 20, 2026, helping communities and businesses understand when lands might be excluded from protection.
2026-14299, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service updated the protected areas for the Canada lynx in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Washington, covering about 14,030 square miles. This change fixes past legal issues and helps keep the lynx’s home safe. The new rule starts on August 17, 2026, and may affect land use and conservation efforts in these states.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06570, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Chambersburg, PA
Hey Chambersburg, PA pilots! The airspace rules around Franklin County Regional Airport are getting a fresh update. We’re tweaking some tech names and airport details to keep flights safe and smooth—no extra costs or delays, just better flying vibes starting soon.
Next: 2025-06608, Air Plan Approval; West Virginia; Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period
The EPA is ready to approve West Virginia’s updated plan to clear up regional haze and improve air quality for the next few years. This means cleaner skies for everyone in West Virginia, with new rules kicking in soon to reduce pollution from power plants and other sources. The EPA is also canceling its earlier plan to reject West Virginia’s update, so things are moving forward smoothly without extra costs or delays.