Why Trump’s move to gut the Endangered Species Act likely won’t hold up in court

If Congress didn’t believe habitat destruction and degradation constitute ‘harm’ under the statute, why would it require permits and plans to offset habitat loss?

By: Patrick Parenteau, Vermont Law & Graduate School, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 17, 2026

Words: 1,498

Last Updated: 2 days, 9 hours ago

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By Patrick Parenteau, Vermont Law & Graduate School

The Trump administration has decided that destroying the habitat of endangered species is not harmful.

Think about that.

Habitat loss is the No. 1 reason species become endangered. Red-cockaded woodpeckers need mature long-leaf pine forests to reproduce. Endangered western monarch butterflies depend on pesticide-free milkweed for food. Pacific salmon must have clean, cool rivers for spawning. If coastal water becomes too polluted, manatees will …

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