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Trump administration kills Endangered Species Act rule, in move wildlife advocates say will bring more species to ‘brink of extinction’
By Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@vaildaily.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· July 16, 2026
· 7 min read
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially killed a long-standing provision of the Endangered Species Act in the name of government efficiency and deregulation. The move has drawn criticism and a lawsuit from environmental and wildlife advocates who argue it significantly weakens the act a...
Key takeaway On July 14, the federal agency published a final rule rescinding the definition of “harm” from the Endangered Species Act.
Why this matters in Aspen News
In Pitkin County, where Aspen is located, the removal of the "harm" definition from the Endangered Species Act could have significant implications for local wildlife and ecosystems. The Roaring Fork Valley is home to a diverse range of species, including those that rely on the valley's rivers, forests, and mountains for habitat. The change to the Endangered Species Act could lead to increased development and habitat destruction in these areas, potentially pushing local species towards extinction. For example, the valley's elk and deer populations could be affected by the loss of habitat due to increased development or mining activities. Additionally, the change could also impact the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and outdoor recreation, by degrading the natural environment that attracts visitors to the area. The lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and other conservation groups will be closely watched in Aspen, where many residents value the area's natural beauty and wildlife.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has officially killed a long-standing provision of the Endangered Species Act in the name of government efficiency and deregulation. The move has drawn criticism and a lawsuit from environmental and wildlife advocates who argue it significantly weakens the act a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ali Longwell Follow
alongwell@vaildaily.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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