WASHINGTON—Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund, strongly condemn the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to repeal the Endangered Species Act (blanket 4(d) rule), a critical regulation that extends important safeguards to threatened species. By proposing to end this sensible practice, the Trump administration is making yet another attack on wildlife. Without this rule in place, species listed as threatened in the future could face harm, harassment or death by default, leaving them in legal limbo or denied timely safeguards altogether. The more than 100 species currently listed as threatened include the grizzly bear, Canada lynx, wolverine and some gray wolves.
"The proposal to repeal this rule is completely reckless. Even if they are listed as ‘threatened’ under the ESA, species could become extinct without its protections," said Kitty Block, president and CEO of Humane World for Animals. "The rule provides an important safety net for vulnerable wildlife, giving species time to recover their populations before they become critically endangered. Wiping out this rule benefits only industry and developers, not animals and their future ability to survive."
Since its passage in 1973, the Endangered Species Act has saved 99% of listed species from extinction. Much of that success can be attributed to smart, proactive tools like the 4(d) rule. The rule casts a blanket of protection over threatened species—presumptively prohibiting killing or harming them—unless federal agencies craft species-specific alternatives. The first Trump administration previously rescinded this rule in 2018, sparking massive public outcry and court challenges. That rollback was reversed last year after legal action by Humane World for Animals and allied groups. Now, the rule is once again under threat.
"Revisiting the blanket 4(d) is a politically motivated stunt which will target species of animals barely clinging to survival. There is no legal reason to revisit this rule," said Sara Amundson, president of Humane World Action Fund. " This isn't about policy, it's about whether we stand for wildlife protection or cater to trophy hunters and developers at the expense of species fighting to survive."
The 4(d) repeal is one of several proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act made by the Trump administration and its political allies in over the last year. Others are:
-
Removing protections for threatened species.
-
Making it harder to list species in need.
-
Reducing habitat conservation and hampering cross-government collaboration.
-
Opening loopholes to undermine protections for imperiled species.
-
Attempting to undermine the ESA through legislation.
-
Revisiting the cruelest, most dangerous killing practices.
#