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Trump Administration Proposes Controversial Changes to Endangered Species Act

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act to weigh economic factors in protection decisions.
The changes could reduce listed species and limit critical habitats, affecting Virginia species such as the Shenandoah salamander and northern long-eared bat.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum says the revisions restore the Act's original intent and ease regulatory burdens.
Public comments on the proposal are open until December 21, 2025.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act to weigh economic factors in protection decisions.
The changes could reduce listed species and limit critical habitats, affecting Virginia species such as the Shenandoah salamander and northern long-eared bat.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum says the revisions restore the Act's original intent and ease regulatory burdens.
Public comments on the proposal are open until December 21, 2025.