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Twenty States Sue Trump Administration Over ESA Changes

9/10/2026

Summary

States Sue Administration

Twenty states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over Endangered Species Act (ESA) changes.
One lawsuit challenges a rule that narrows the ESA’s definition of “harm,” permitting oil drilling and mining.
Another suit contests two rules that strip protection for newly listed species and require industry input on critical habitats.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the changes, saying the ESA had been “weaponized” to block projects.

Summary

Lawmakers Challenge DPA

Fourteen lawmakers filed a brief in California v. Wright challenging the Defense Production Act (DPA) for the Sable pipeline.
Senators Richard Blumenthal, Tammy Duckworth and Reps. Nancy Pelosi, Zoe Lofgren signed the brief.
Lawmakers say Sable produces crude oil, not finished fuel, so DPA lacks a legitimate defense purpose.
The brief says the DPA order fails statutory requirements and cites 2015 Refugio spill as evidence for Santa Barbara County.

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States Sue Administration

Twenty states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over Endangered Species Act (ESA) changes.
One lawsuit challenges a rule that narrows the ESA’s definition of “harm,” permitting oil drilling and mining.
Another suit contests two rules that strip protection for newly listed species and require industry input on critical habitats.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the changes, saying the ESA had been “weaponized” to block projects.

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