Endangered Species Act Gets Major Rollback | Washington DC News

Washington DC News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 12, 2026 · 1m

The Trump administration just rolled back a cornerstone of environmental protection by narrowing the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act—now only direct killing or injuring of animals counts, not habitat destruction. This opens the door for oil drilling, mining, and logging in critical habitats, with officials claiming it restores the law’s original intent and protects property rights. Environmentalists are furious, calling it a devastating blow to conservation and a gift to industries, warning it could accelerate species extinction. This move is part of a broader push to…