How redefining one word strips the Endangered Species Act’s ability to protect vital habitat

A significant shift in the definition of "habitat" in the Endangered Species Act is weakening its capacity to protect crucial environments for endangered species. This change could mean that critical habitats, which are often the last refuges for species like the Chinook salmon and island foxes, may no longer receive the necessary legal protections. It's a major concern because habitat loss is the primary reason many species end up on the endangered list in the first place. This move could severely undermine conservation efforts and ultimately lead to more species becoming extinct.