The news that the Trump administration is planning to revise the Endangered Species Act of 1973 has caused wildlife advocates, 2020 presidential candidates, and Democratic members of Congress to all-but blow a gasket over the potential wildlife protection “rollbacks.”
The Interior Department announced Monday morning that the revisions would allow economic components to be factored when considering the classification or declassification of certain plants and animals.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Kamala Harris, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, all railed against Trump, saying that Trump was conducting a full-on assault against the environment.
“Trump's Interior Secretary is a former lobbyist for the oil and gas industry,” said Harris “Weakening the Endangered Species Act and clearing the way for new mining and drilling is incredibly harmful. We should be protecting our environment, not selling it off to the highest bidder.”
“The Trump administration’s shortsighted decision to significantly weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a slap in the face to those fighting to address the climate crisis & undermines four decades of wildlife conservation efforts,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer
Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego (D), a fervent critic of President Trump, also piled on the ESA dogpile, saying that the move was dictated by money.
“As usual with Trump’s attacks on the environment, all you have to do is follow the money,” said Gallego “This rule is a windfall for extractive industries & it allows “economic impacts” to be taken into account when deciding which species to save. This will cause harm for generations to come.”
Democrats have already said they would take the Trump administration to court over these new revisions to the ESA.
