President Donald Trump continues to repeal regulations that he believes burden business. This time, vulnerable animals have become an obstacle for private companies, as regulations to protect them allegedly burden business with their requirements. Therefore, the US administration is proposing four new rules that would nullify all of its predecessors' environmental protection efforts.
According to Reuters, environmentalists are outraged by this decision, which will threaten the very existence of rare and vulnerable species.
Life under the protection of the law
In the US, any work on land or water bodies must undergo an environmental impact assessment. This applies to mining operations and even the laying of electrical networks. The main regulatory factor for government agencies that can give the green light to businesses is the Endangered Species Act.
Economy as a priority
The principle behind regulatory changes is simple: economic interests are more important than environmental ones. So if a certain area is needed for the country's economy or security, this may outweigh the critical value of that area for the survival of a particular species. Under the Endangered Species Act, these areas require special management.
There are also proposals to repeal general conservation rules and instead create individual rules for each species facing extinction.
“These actions reaffirm our commitment to conservation based on science that works hand-in-hand with America's energy, agricultural, and infrastructure priorities,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Bryan Nesvik.
"This plan is simply disastrous"
It seems as if wild animals have become hostages in the struggle between two American administrations. Trump repealed regulations protecting vulnerable species during his first term. Biden reinstated them. Returning to power, Trump has once again decided to undermine animals' rights to exist.
"Trump's proposals are a death sentence for wolverines, monarch butterflies, Florida manatees, and many other animals and plants that desperately need our help," said Stephanie Kuroz, deputy director of government affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity.
As reported by EcoPolitics, the current U.S. administration has consistently moved away from environmental principles. The United States withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, left the United Nations fund for climate change loss and damage compensation, and, as expected, skipped this year’s COP30.
The administration’s stance has even influenced the demand for “green” architecture – which continues to decline steadily.
