Federal wildlife managers unveiled plans last week to revise rules for the Endangered Species Act. Conservationists warn that could hasten extinction for many.
Under the change, the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service would no longer consider the potential damage to a species’ habitat when deciding whether to allow activities like drilling or construction.
Loss of habitat is the main cause many species become endangered.
In 2022, a comprehensive study looked at more than 20,000 species and found habitat loss was the main factor pushing more than 70% toward extinction.
The public will have until May 19 to comment on the change.
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