Trump administration proposes to loosen rules protecting endangered species

(Reuters) -The Trump administration on Wednesday proposed four new rules ​that would roll back Biden-era regulations ‌that strengthened protections for endangered species.

The move is aligned with ‌President Donald Trump's effort to unwind what he says are burdensome federal regulations for businesses.

In a statement, the Interior Department said it would ⁠restore regulatory language ‌from 2019 and 2020, during Trump's first administration. The proposed ‍changes include requiring specific rules tailored to each threatened species rather than relying on a single overarching rule.

The administration ​of then-President Joe Biden in 2024 ‌had restored protections rolled back by Trump.

The agency said the revisions would balance conservation with infrastructure development.

"These actions reaffirm our commitment to science-based conservation that works hand-in-hand with ⁠America's energy, agricultural ​and infrastructure priorities," ​U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik said in a statement.

"‍By restoring ⁠clarity and predictability, we are giving the regulated community confidence while keeping our focus ⁠on recovery outcomes, not paperwork."

(Reporting ‌by Nichola Groom; Editing by Franklin ‌Paul and Bill Berkrot)