Is Trump abandoning endangered species?
Summary
Host Rachel Feltman interviews former NOAA biologist Lynn Barr about recent regulatory changes to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. They discuss the removal of automatic protections for threatened species and a narrowed definition of "harm" that excludes habitat modification. Barr explains how these shifts undermine conservation efforts, impact local economies, and threaten species recovery, while urging listeners to engage in habitat restoration and political advocacy.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Indeed and Tidy Cats
Introduction: Defining harm and the Endangered Species Act
Guest Lynn Barr and ESA history and challenges
ESA success stories: Gray whales and recovery
New rules: Removing automatic protections for threatened species
Redefining 'harm': Habitat modification and legal precedents
Lynn Barr's early retirement and agency dismantling
Impact on habitat protection and critical habitat designations
Economic and human impacts of ESA changes
How listeners can help: Restoration, voting, and advocacy
Outro: Sound quality update and credits
Listen ad-free on Castria