The Trump administration has issued an internal memo that reduces protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), allowing the inadvertent killing of endangered and threatened species under certain circumstances. The move represents one of the most significant alterations to ESA enforcement in recent years.

Under the existing ESA framework, the "take" of endangered species — which includes harming, harassing, or killing protected animals — has historically been broadly prohibited, with narrow exceptions. The new memo appears to carve out wider allowances for incidental or inadvertent harm caused during otherwise lawful activities, such as construction, agriculture, or energy development.

The administration has framed the policy as a way to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and landowners who may unintentionally encounter protected species during routine operations. Officials argue the change aligns the law's application more closely with its original intent, distinguishing between deliberate harm and accidental contact.

Conservation groups and environmental advocates have sharply criticized the memo, warning that weakening take prohibitions could accelerate population declines among already vulnerable species. Critics argue that inadvertent harm, particularly from large-scale development projects, is one of the primary threats facing many listed animals and plants.

The policy shift comes amid broader efforts by the administration to streamline environmental regulations and expand domestic energy production. Legal challenges from environmental organizations are widely expected, and the memo's ultimate impact may depend on how federal agencies implement its guidance in the field.