Restores Habitat Protections for Endangered Species
Restores Habitat Protections for Endangered Species
IntroducedAugust 3, 2026
In Senate1 month ago
Intro
Senate
House
Pres
Waiting for a House floor vote.
It has cleared committee and can be brought up at any time, though no date is set.
Environmental Protection
Why This Matters
This resolution would cancel a 2026 federal rule that removed the definition of "harming" an endangered species, so significant habitat damage that actually kills or injures protected wildlife would again count as harm under the Endangered Species Act.
If you plan to clear, drain, or build on land where an endangered animal like a spotted owl or salmon lives, that work, if it actually kills or injures the animals, could again count as illegally harming the species and bring federal penalties.
Who this affects
Landowners with wildlife habitat · Developers and builders · Farmers, ranchers, and loggers · Wildlife conservation supporters
What does this resolution do?
1The rule removed the decades-old definition of "harm" that counted damaging habitat (land, water, nesting areas) as illegally injuring protected wildlife; this resolution cancels that removal.
2With the definition back, harming habitat in ways that actually kill or injure listed animals by disrupting breeding, feeding, or sheltering could again count as illegal.
3The definition applies to land and freshwater species managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and to ocean species and salmon managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
4Under the Congressional Review Act, the agencies could not issue a substantially similar rule again unless Congress passes a new law allowing it.
5The resolution takes effect only if both the House and Senate pass it and the President signs it, or Congress overrides a veto.
