Trump’s energy order weakens endangered species protections
Environmental groups warn that a new executive order from Donald Trump declaring an energy emergency could bypass the Endangered Species Act to fast-track fossil fuel projects.
Patrick Whittle reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Trump’s order declares an energy emergency, prioritizing fossil fuel development and calling for regulatory reforms to the Endangered Species Act.
- The order enables federal agencies to expedite energy projects, potentially endangering species like the North Atlantic right whale and golden-cheeked warbler.
- Conservation groups vow legal challenges, citing the act’s critical role in preventing species extinction.
Key quote:
“This executive order, in a lot of ways, is a gift to the oil and gas industry and is being sold as a way to respond to the emergency declaration by President Trump.”
— Gib Brogan, campaign director, Oceana
Why this matters:
The Endangered Species Act has protected species like the bald eagle from extinction. Weakening it to make way for increased fossil fuel production could accelerate biodiversity loss and compromise ecosystems.
Read more: Trump seeks to prioritize fossil fuels while rolling back renewable energy efforts
