Representative Mike Quigley Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Restore Endangered Species Act Habitat Protections
Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL), co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, has co-introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding Endangered Species Act (H.R. 9901) with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). This legislation aims to reinstate the longstanding definition of 'harm' within the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which was recently altered by a rule finalized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries. The new rule, set to take effect on September 14, removes habitat destruction from the definition of harm, a principle that has been recognized since 1975 and affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995. Friends of Animals, an advocacy group, has opposed this rollback, emphasizing that habitat destruction is a primary driver of extinction and a key reason for the ESA's original enactment. Representative Quigley stated that the bill seeks to prevent any administration from undermining this landmark law and to continue protecting wildlife and endangered species. 
