Background
The Department of Interior has proposed a dangerous rollback to the Endangered Species Act (ESA)—one that would open the door to habitat destruction for imperiled animals and plants.
Federal officials have proposed altering the ESA’s definition of the word “harm” to no longer include habitat destruction.
Rescinding the definition of harm opens these redwood ecosystems to threats from mining, drilling, and industrial timber extraction. Without healthy and intact forests and waterways, the more than 100 threatened and endangered species that depend on redwood forests will not survive.
The recognition that habitat loss can harm a species just as much as direct injury is a crucial component of the ESA’s success. Unraveling this key protection strikes at the heart of wildlife conservation and the mission of Save the Redwoods League.
Save the Redwoods League strongly opposes this change to the law.
If finalized, this change would undercut the ESA at a time when more species face extinction than ever before. The World Wildlife Fund says habitat loss is likely the greatest threat to the variety of life on the planet today. We can stand together to prevent this.
Your voice is urgently needed. The federal government is accepting public comments right now—but only until May 19.
Submit your comment today opposing this attack on endangered species and their critical habitats.