The US government says habitat destruction no longer counts as ‘harm’ to endangered species

The Trump administration has revised the Endangered Species Act, now excluding habitat destruction from its definition of "harm" to endangered species, meaning only direct harm or killing will be prohibited. This shift could potentially accelerate development projects previously restricted by habitat conservation laws. The change reflects a broader policy push to prioritize economic growth over environmental protections, raising concerns among conservationists about the future of endangered species conservation. This move underscores a significant shift in how the U.S. government views the balance between development and environmental stewardship.