Proposed changes to rules applying to the Endangered Species Act

Sent To: US Fish and Wildlife Service via US Government comment portal

Subject: Proposed changes to rules applying to the Endangered Species Act

Synopsis:  In the fall of 2025, the US Government proposed changes to rules used for implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was the lead agency for developing proposed rule changes, but worked with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), another agency responsible for administering the ESA. Proposed new rules would weaken ESA by removing blanket protections (in the absence of agency developed population specific regulations) for listed species, placed emphasis on short term economic impacts, narrowed the definition of “Critical Habitat” for listed species, and placed new restriction on the consultation process. PCTU commented on four separate rule change proposals (four individual responses). PCTU opposed these changes as proposed but offered alternatives to better streamline ESA implementation and improve collaboration among affected stakeholders.