NOAAProposed Rule
Rescinding the Definition of Harm under the Endangered Species Act
EnvironmentAgriculture
Ad Space (leaderboard)
Summary
This proposed rule would change how the federal government defines what counts as 'harm' to endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The change could make it easier for businesses and developers to operate in areas with endangered animals, since fewer activities might be considered harmful.
Key Points
- 1The rule would rescind (cancel) the current definition of 'harm' that protects endangered species from indirect damage, like habitat destruction
- 2Under the current rules, harming an endangered species includes destroying its home or changing its environment; this rule would narrow that protection
- 3The change could affect construction projects, logging, mining, and other development activities that impact wildlife habitats
- 4Environmental groups and wildlife advocates oppose this change, while some businesses and developers support making regulations less restrictive
- 5This is a proposed rule from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), so it is still being considered and has not been finalized yet
Impact Assessment
If you are a developer or business owner, this means you may face fewer regulatory restrictions when operating in areas with endangered species, potentially reducing project delays and compliance costs.
Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope
National
Compliance Cost
Minimal
Who is Affected
Small BusinessesFarmersEnergy Companies
Key Dates
Published
April 17, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Authorized By
Amends CFR Sections
50 CFR Part 402
Other Documents in This Rulemaking (NOAA_FRDOC_0001)
NOAAAgriculture
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States: 2026 and Projected 2027 Specifications for the Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Fisheries
NOAAAgriculture
Fraser River Panel Salmon Fisheries: Inseason Orders
NOAAEnvironment
Eliminating Redundant Regulatory Part Related to Public Information and Disclosure
NOAAAgriculture
Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries: 2026 Fishing Quotas for Atlantic Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs and Suspension of Atlantic Surfclam Minimum Size Limit
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
The Digest Network
Ad Space (rectangle)
Related Regulations
NOAAEnergy
Taking or Importing of Marine Mammals: Hilcorp Alaska, LLC Oil and Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, AK
NOAAEnvironment
Fisheries Off West Coast States: West Coast Salmon Fisheries; Rebuilding Plan for the Overfished Queets River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon Stock
NOAAAgriculture