US States File Lawsuits Against Trump Administration Over Endangered Species Act Rollbacks

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on September 9, 2026. A coalition of attorneys general from 20 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia has filed two lawsuits against President Donald Trump’s administration to challenge the weakening of protections for endangered species.

The legal action comes less than two months after the Department of Interior and Department of Commerce released final rules designed to facilitate commercial development on sensitive lands that serve as habitats for endangered species.

“The Trump administration is trying to undermine the law, the will of Congress and the will of the people who overwhelmingly support protections for endangered species,” Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown stated during a news conference, adding that the administration's approach prioritizes exploitation over stewardship.

The first lawsuit contends that the federal government has unlawfully restricted the definition of “harm” under the 1973 Endangered Species Act, which is a foundational law for protecting vulnerable flora and fauna. Historically, the definition of harm has encompassed threats to the habitats of these species. According to the states, the new rule represents a drastic reversal that will permit activities such as mining and oil drilling in fragile ecosystems, provided the actions are not explicitly targeted at specific animals.

Environmental organizations have similarly initiated legal challenges regarding these modifications. Meanwhile, a second lawsuit targets two additional rules: one that removes automatic protections for newly threatened species unless the US Fish and Wildlife Service formulates targeted regulations, and another that mandates the consideration of objections from private companies prior to designating “critical habitats.”

Enacted in 1973, the landmark legislation has historically aided in the recovery of species such as condors, grizzly bears, and humpback whales. However, the Trump administration has committed to diminishing environmental regulations to stimulate economic development, echoing campaign pledges from the 2024 re-election bid to expand oil exploration on protected lands.

Critics warn that reducing these regulations could lead to permanent damage and drive vulnerable species toward extinction. California Attorney General Rob Bonta remarked that safeguarding wildlife is essential for the future, criticizing the administration for allegedly favoring industry interests.

In response, the Trump administration defended its actions, asserting that the lawsuits aim to support regulatory overreach that exceeds congressional intent. An Interior Department spokesperson emphasized that federal agencies are tasked with implementing the Endangered Species Act strictly as written rather than extending its scope through preferred interpretations of advocacy organizations.