WA tribes, environmental groups sue over Endangered Species Act rule change

Washington tribes and environmental organizations sued the federal government Tuesday, arguing that recent changes to Endangered Species Act rules defy scientific research and pave the way for the destruction of important wildlife habitat.

The two separate lawsuits, filed in U.S. District Court for Western Washington, challenge the Trump administration’s decision to rescind the legal definition of the word “harm” as used under the Endangered Species Act.

In a July 10 announcement, the Department of the Interior said the new rule would reduce permitting requirements and compliance costs for farmers, landowners and energy producers.

“For years, federal agencies abused the ESA to obstruct lawful land use and burden American families and businesses,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “This action restores common sense, respects private property, provides much-needed certainty for landowners and follows the statute Congress actually passed.”


https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/07/15/wa-tribes-environmental-groups-sue-over-endangered-species-act-rule-change/

Fuck you Burgum.