Trump Admin Weakens
US Endangered Species Act The rules make it easier
to remove an animal from
the endangered species list. It will also weaken protection for the
animals considered "threatened species,"
a categorization that means a species
is at risk to be endangered. For the first time,
economic assessments will be
allowed when determining the
animals included on the list. It's likely that the new rules
will open the door to development,
mining and drilling in habitats
of protected species. The Endangered Species Act
is considered the cornerstone
of American conservation. It's credited with being
instrumental in saving the bald
eagle, the American alligator and
the grizzly bear from extinction. Environmental organizations
have denounced the changes.