Endangered Species Act habitat protections narrowed

President Donald Trump's administration finalized a rule Friday narrowing how the federal government defines “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, changing a long-standing interpretation tied to habitat protection.

The Interior and Commerce departments said the rule returns the law to its original intent. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said federal agencies had used the law to obstruct lawful land use and burden families and businesses.

The 1973 law bars the “take” of endangered species. Federal rules had defined harm to include significant habitat modification or degradation that kills or injures wildlife by impairing breeding, feeding or sheltering.

Conservation groups said the change could allow industrial activity that destroys habitat. Kristen Boyle, an attorney for Earthjustice, said the group would sue. Tara Zuardo of the Center for Biological Diversity said species including spotted owls, Atlantic salmon and Florida panthers need protection for the places where they live.