UPDATE: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has announced a coalition of attorneys general from 19 states opposing proposed changes to federal protections for endangered species. The urgent call comes in a 65-page letter sent to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, warning that reinstating these rules from the Trump administration could severely weaken wildlife protections.
These proposed changes aim to revitalize initiatives first enacted in 2019 and later reversed in 2022. Brown emphasized the potential dangers, stating, “These changes would put endangered wildlife and critical habitats at greater risk.” He reiterated on social media that his office is committed to upholding science-based protections that ensure the safety of our environment for future generations.
The attorneys general argue that the proposed measures threaten the integrity of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, a landmark law credited with preventing species extinction, including the bald eagle, grizzly bear, and gray wolf. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) defended the proposals last month, claiming they align with the Trump administration’s goals to enhance American energy independence and streamline regulations.
FWS Director Brian Nesvik described the changes as a way to restore clarity and predictability, asserting, “we are giving the regulated community confidence while keeping our focus on recovery outcomes, not paperwork.” However, the coalition of state attorneys general argues that these revisions could undermine the core regulations designed to protect vulnerable species.
One key proposal aims to alter interagency cooperation, while others would allow economic considerations to influence the designation of critical habitats. Critics, including the attorneys general, assert that this approach could lead to prioritizing financial interests over ecological preservation.
Brown stated, “If adopted, the Trump administration’s rules would dramatically weaken federal ESA protections, enforcement, and processes, putting imperiled species and their habitats at an even greater risk of extinction.”
The letter has garnered support from a diverse group of states, including Arizona, California, New York, and Washington, showcasing a unified front against the proposed changes.
As of now, the FWS’s updated list of threatened and endangered species remains unavailable, but earlier data identifies over 300 species at risk, including lions, polar bears, and humpback whales.
The urgency of this issue resonates deeply, as it directly impacts not only wildlife but ecosystems that are essential for human survival. The coalition’s action highlights the ongoing battle between conservation efforts and economic interests, a conflict that continues to evolve in federal policy discussions.
Further developments are anticipated as the attorneys general await a response from federal officials. The potential implications of these changes could reshape conservation practices for years to come, making this an urgent matter for environmental advocates and citizens alike.
For continuous updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
