Rollback of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Issue tracker and action guide
Summary
The Trump administration weakened the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by redefining the law. In doing so, they removed protections for birds from avoidable deaths caused by industrial activity.
What's Happening
Law Reinterpreted — The Trump administration weakened the 107-year old Migratory Bird Treaty Act by issuing a memo that reinterprets the meaning of the law.
Limiting Protections — The administration now asserts the MBTA prohibits only intentional killings of migratory birds — not avoidable deaths caused by industrial activity.
Why It Matters
Industry Exemption — This reinterpretation would exempt industries from penalties for avoidable bird deaths (AKA incidental take) from activities like oil drilling and construction.
Conservation Rollback — According to National Audubon Society: "These protections from “incidental take” have successfully been implemented by both Republican and Democratic administrations for decades and have saved millions of birds."
How To Help
National Audubon Society has historically led litigation and grassroots campaigns to defend the MBTA. You can help by following and supporting their efforts.
