Biden-Harris Administration Reinstates Endangered Species Protections

The Biden-Harris administration has reinstated vital protections for threatened and endangered species in the United States under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), reversing rollbacks enacted by the previous administration. The restoration of these rules, spearheaded by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), signifies a renewed commitment to environmental conservation.

Among the reinstated measures is the "blanket rule" option for protecting threatened species, ensuring automatic endangered-level protections without the need for individualised plans. Additionally, the administration has eliminated the requirement to consider economic impacts when making listing decisions, prioritising science-based conservation efforts.

While applauded by environmental advocates, concerns linger about the adequacy of these changes in addressing the urgent threats facing biodiversity. Despite this, the Biden administration's dedication to conservation is evident, with commitments to conserve 30% of the nation's land and coastal seas by 2030. As the US continues its conservation journey, the restoration of endangered species protections marks a significant step towards safeguarding our planet's invaluable biodiversity.

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