"The Fish and Wildlife Service today formally reversed a key Trump administration Endangered Species Act rule, erasing a regulation that made it easier to shrink critical habitat.

In a highly anticipated move that pleases environmentalists, the federal agency announced that the rescinding of the critical habitat rule will be published tomorrow in the Federal Register (E&E News PM, June 4).

“This rule will allow our biologists to ensure critical habitat designations contribute to the conservation of ESA-listed species,” Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said in a statement, adding that “today’s action helps the Service implement the ESA in ways that support sound science and citizen participation.”"

Michael Doyle reports for E&E News July 20, 2022. [2]