Three American Democratic senators are asking the Trump administration to explain how it analyzed a proposed rule to eliminate habitat protections for endangered and threatened species and if the industry had a hand in writing.
Senators Adam Schiff, Sheldon Whitehouse and Cory Booker sent a letter on Monday to the interior departments and trade that also asks how the administration plans to protect the species if the rule is changed.
The problem is a long data definition of “damage” in the Endangered Species Lawwhich has included altering or destroying the places that these species live, the number 1 cause of extinction.
Last month, the United States fishing and life service and the National Marine Fishing Service proposed a rule That says that habitat modification should not be considered damage because it is not the same as intentionally attacking a species, called “Take”. Environmentalists argue that the definition of “takes” has always included actions that damage the species, and the definition of “damage” has been confirmed by the United States Supreme Court.
According to the new interpretation, the industry, the developers and others could simply say that they did not intend to damage an endangered species, environmentists say, which could lead to the extinction of endangered species such as the Florida Panther and stained owl.
The senators said “represents an end of the law of endangered species.”
“It is widely understood that a species cannot live without a safe place for home,” says the letter.
They also asked the administration to explain how he could enforce the law amid the efforts of the Efficient Department of the Government of Elon Musk to fire the federal staff and reduce the funds of the agencies.
The proposal is in the middle of a period of 30 -day public comments. Environmentalists have promised to challenge it in court if adopted.
The commercial and internal departments did not immediately respond to the emails sent on Monday in search of comments.
___
Associated Press’s climatic and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards To work with philanthropies, a list of followers and coverage areas financed in Ap.org.
