The Biden Administration Just Rescued Parts of the Endangered Species Act

Revival of Endangered Species Act Protections by Biden Administration

A Mantled Howler Monkey, which is listed as an endangered species by the US Fish & Wildlife ServicesJon G. Fuller/VW Pics/Zuma

Introduction

This report discusses the revival of certain protections for imperiled species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the Biden Administration. The ESA is a landmark species conservation law created in 1973. The article emphasizes the importance of these protections in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to biodiversity conservation.

Background

During former President Donald Trump’s time in office, his administration rolled back various safeguards for wildlife and plants under the ESA. However, the Biden Administration has now reinstated these rules to provide greater protection for endangered species across the United States.

Reinstating Protections

The revisions made by the Biden Administration highlight their commitment to using all available tools to halt declines and stabilize populations of the most at-risk species. These changes are crucial in addressing the global biodiversity crisis, where more than one-third of plants and animals are at risk of extinction due to human impacts, habitat loss, and climate change.

Implications and Challenges

The process of undoing Trump’s rollbacks faced bureaucratic hurdles and opposition from Republicans. While environmental groups appreciate the positive impacts of these updates, some believe that the ruling falls short of going far enough. Industry groups have expressed opposition to the updates, and new lawsuits are expected to arise in the coming year.

Understanding ESA Terminology

The report explains the importance of certain terms used in the ESA to denote the level of protection provided to species. Endangered species are those facing the highest risk of extinction, while threatened species are likely to become endangered. The Trump administration removed a “blanket rule” that extended the same level of protection to both classifications. Additionally, economic impacts were considered when deciding whether to list a species as threatened or endangered, potentially putting vulnerable species at risk.

ESA Updates by Biden Administration

The recent ESA update reinstated protections for threatened species and removed the consideration of economic impacts in listing decisions. The Biden administration also introduced language allowing agencies to consider the threat of climate change in species protections.

Environmental Groups’ Perspectives

While environmental groups appreciate the reinstatement of certain protections, they believe that the Biden administration could have gone further. The retention of Trump-era language regarding critical habitat and the lack of reassessment for projects currently affecting endangered or threatened species are areas of concern.

Conclusion

The revival of protections for imperiled species under the ESA by the Biden Administration is a significant step towards achieving the SDGs related to biodiversity conservation. However, challenges and opposition from industry groups persist, highlighting the need for continued efforts to safeguard endangered and threatened species.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the protection of imperiled species, highlighting the global biodiversity crisis and the risk of extinction for plants and animals. SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
• Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.

The article discusses the rollbacks of safeguards for wildlife and plants under the ESA and the reinstatement of certain protections by the Biden Administration. These actions align with the targets of reducing habitat degradation, halting biodiversity loss, and protecting threatened species.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
• Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

The article mentions the risk of extinction for plants and animals and the need for protections under the ESA. The Red List Index is a widely recognized indicator that measures changes in the risk of extinction for species over time. Additionally, the article discusses the integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning and development processes, which can be measured through progress towards national targets established in accordance with the Aichi Biodiversity Target 2.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: motherjones.com

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