Standing up to the Trump Administration's relentless assault on U.S. forests
This rule change is currently undergoing legal challenge but Trump and his minions recently tossed in an assault on the Endangered Species Act (ESA), one of America's most popular and effective conservation laws. Since it became law in 1973 the ESA has brought many species back from the brink of extinction, including the bald eagle, American bison, grizzly bear, and California condor.
In August the Trump administration announced final rules to gut the ESA by allowing economic considerations—specifically prohibited in the original law—to be given key focus in making what should be strictly scientific listing decisions.
Our efforts generated many public comments and messages to elected and agency officials. The ESA-weakening assault too is now headed for the courts, with California a key litigant in opposition.