The administration of US President Donald Trump softens legal regulations on species protection. Interior Minister David Bernhardt yesterday presented a series of planned amendments to a 1973 law. Conservationists attach fundamental importance to this law in its present form. It made possible, for example, the recovery of the stocks of wolves, grizzly bears and white-tailed eagles
.A rule is now to be deleted, according to which species classified as „threatened“ automatically receive the same protection status as „endangered“ species. For species classified as „endangered“, the risk of extinction is particularly high. In addition, future economic considerations should be included in the assessment of the conservation status of wild animals.
„Gift to the industry“
Bernhardt called the changes „improvements“. They would ensure an „efficient“ implementation of the law, said the former oil and gas lobbyist. Trade Minister Wilbur Ross said the amendments would be in line with Trump’s policy of easing environmental regulation while ensuring biodiversity protection
.Environmentalists reacted horrified. They fear the gradual destruction of the habitat of endangered and endangered species. The environmental organization Earthjustice described the changes as a „gift to the industry“ and announced a lawsuit.
Strong criticism also came from the opposition Democrats. For decades, the law „saved our most threatened animal life from extinction,“ wrote presidential candidate Joe Biden on Twitter. Now Trump wants to „throw this overboard“.
