ESA Implementation | Regulation Revisions
Federally endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly.
Photo credit: John Cleckler/USFWS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) jointly announce revisions to regulations that implement portions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
In 2017, we sought public input on how the federal government can improve upon the regulatory framework. We received substantial input from a wide range of stakeholders on modernizing the implementation of the ESA in order to improve collaboration, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Firstly, the agencies are finalizing changes to some of the parameters under which other federal agencies must consult with the Service and NOAA Fisheries to ensure their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species, or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. The agencies are also finalizing various measures to clarity and improve some of the standards under which listings, delisting, and reclassifications, and critical habitat designations are made.
Additionally, the Service is changing its approach to applying protections to threatened species to align its practice with NOAA Fisheries so the two agencies are consistent in their application of this provision of the ESA. The Service is removing its blanket rule under section 4(d) of the ESA that automatically conveys the same protections for threatened species as for endangered species. This change will not affect the protections for species currently listed as threatened, but will ensure that species listed as threatened in the future receive the protections tailored to the species' individual conservation needs.
These changes are being finalized following a transparent public process, resulting in regulations that are clear and will be effective in advancing our ultimate goal of recovery.
Read the News Release.
Download the PowerPoint Presentation.
View the Presentation Video.
View the revised regulations for listing species and designating critical habitat.
View the revised regulations for prohibitions to threatened wildlife and plants.