Trump Administration Weakens Endangered Species Act The recent memo signed by Brian Nesvik, director of the Interior Department's Fish and Wildlife Service, has sparked outrage among environmentalists and conservationists.
The move to redefine "take" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a thinly veiled attempt to open up protected areas to exploitation.
This redefinition creates a loophole that would exempt activities like commercial fishing or logging from liability when they harm protected species.