States sue Trump administration over endangered species habitat rollbacks

A coalition of 20 states and the District of Columbia, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, has filed two lawsuits against the Trump administration challenging rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The first lawsuit contests a narrowed definition of “harm” under the ESA. Previously, federal agencies interpreted “harm” to include the destruction of essential habitats like forests, streams, and wetlands. The new administration's interpretation limits the term to actions that directly injure or kill animals, potentially opening habitats to mining, logging, and other development.

The second lawsuit targets revised rules regarding “critical habitat” designations. The states argue these changes make it easier for federal officials to decline designating certain lands as critical, thereby reducing protections for newly listed threatened species.

California officials noted that while the state has its own environmental laws, they may not be able to fully bridge the gap left by the reduction in federal protections, particularly for the 140 species protected by federal law that are not covered by state statutes.