US States Sue Trump Administration Over Endangered Species Act Rollbacks
US states filed two lawsuits Wednesday challenging Trump administration changes to the Endangered Species Act.
A coalition of US states has launched two legal challenges against the Trump administration, alleging that recent changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) are unlawful. The lawsuits, filed on Wednesday, argue that the federal government has improperly weakened the landmark conservation law, which has long shielded iconic species such as the bald eagle from the impacts of development.
The legal actions target regulatory revisions that critics say reduce safeguards for wildlife and make it easier for projects to proceed without full environmental review. The states contend that the administration overstepped its authority and failed to follow proper procedures in implementing the changes.
The Endangered Species Act, enacted in 1973, is credited with helping recover numerous species from the brink of extinction. The bald eagle, once severely threatened, has become a symbol of successful conservation under the law. The lawsuits underscore ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over environmental policy, with the states seeking to restore what they see as essential protections for vulnerable species.