The Biden administration reversed changes made by the Trump administration to the Endangered Species Act, restoring protections for threatened and endangered species.
This move gives federal agencies more authority to designate plants and animals as endangered or threatened, emphasizing the importance of science in conservation decisions.
The Endangered Species Act, signed into law in 1973, has been instrumental in saving iconic species like the bald eagle and the California condor from extinction.
However, in 2019, the Trump administration implemented changes to the law, prioritizing economic considerations over conservation efforts. These changes aimed to reduce costs for industries such as mining and timber by easing regulations related to species protection.
Critics, including environmental groups, denounced the Trump-era revisions, arguing that they prioritized economic interests over the welfare of endangered species.
The Biden administration’s decision to revert to the original protections under the Endangered Species Act signals a renewed commitment to conservation and science-based decision-making.
Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, emphasized that listing decisions and habitat designations will now be based on the best available science. This ensures that conservation efforts are guided by scientific evidence rather than economic interests.
While environmental advocates welcomed the reinstatement of protections, some Republicans, like Bruce Westerman, criticized the move as political posturing.
Westerman argued that the Endangered Species Act is outdated and in need of reform, suggesting that Biden’s actions were driven by politics rather than genuine conservation concerns.
Despite the criticism, the Biden administration reaffirmed its commitment to conservation by restoring the protections of the Endangered Species Act.
This decision underscores the administration’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges and protecting biodiversity for future generations.