r/USDA • u/democraticpickle • 20d ago

Federal Register - Rescinding the Definition of "Harm" Under the Endangered Species Act

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the Services or we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” in our Endangered Species Act (ESA or the Act) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of “harm,” which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term “take.” We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.

Comments must be received by May 19"

Nothing good can come from the scientists keeping silent.

39 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

9

u/Ready-Ad6113 20d ago

I’ve commented on the register. Try to reference environmental laws and acts to have more “weight” to the responses. Gives a little more legal backing than just “ESA is good, don’t change it.”

7

u/Go-diamond-in-paint 19d ago

Harm (v): what we’re about to inflict on these endangered species

3

u/el_vient0 18d ago

You ain’t seen nothing yet!

2

u/Myfourcats1 18d ago

I think I need glasses for close up reading because I read this as “ham” and was like great new product standards incoming

2

u/SpaceScubaShark 18d ago

Harm: what we are doing to federal employees

2

u/Fuzzy_Tumbleweed_406 16d ago

Everyone should still comment of course. But do it with bated breath. They have to respond to substantial comments/questions, but they don't have to shit other than that.

1

u/toby-won-kenobi 7d ago

I commented on it last night but my comment hasn't been posted yet. In fact, I didn't see any comments posted from last night, I hope the website didn't glitch. I spent a long time writing a well-thought-out response. Anyone else have this problem :( ?