Rollback of the Endangered Species Act

Proposed Change To ESA: For the last 50 years, the Endangered Species Act  has prohibited the destruction of habitat that endangered species need for survival. Trump proposed a rule change for the ESA to no longer protect endangered species habitat.  

Rule Making In Process:  Trump's proposed change to the ESA has initiated a rule making process. This opened up a public comment period that just closed on May 19, 2025. Conservation nonprofits rallied the public and 323,576 comments were received in response to the rule change. 

Awaiting Agency Response:  The agencies are now reviewing comments and preparing a response. No final rule has been issued yet.

Pillar of Conservation:  The ESA is the bedrock law for protecting endangered species and their habitat. Weakening the ESA would be catastrophically bad for conservation in the US. 

Species Protected:  The ESA protects over 1,700 species of plants and animals in the United States from extinction. 

ESA in Action:  Examples of species the ESA has saved from extinction: Bald Eagle, California Condor, Grizzly Bear, Humpback Whale, Florida Manatee, Black-footed Ferret, Whooping Crane, Peregrine Falcon, Tennessee Purple Coneflower.... and many, many more.

Organizations To Support:  Organizations like the Center for Biological Diversity are actively opposing these rollbacks. If the ESA is weakened, they will lead lawsuits opposing the changes. Please follow them on social media and consider donating to their efforts.