Florida House Democrats Challenge Endangered Species Act Rollbacks, Citing Habitat Threats
A group of Florida House Democrats, including Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Darren Soto, Maxwell Frost, and Kathy Castor, have issued a letter to the Trump administration urging the repeal of recent changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These changes redefine 'harm' to exclude habitat modification and degradation, which the Democrats argue could lead to habitat destruction. The lawmakers contend that this rollback threatens Florida's unique ecosystems and the species that depend on them, such as the Florida panther and manatee. The Department of the Interior's revisions also include eliminating the 'Blanket Rule' and revising critical habitat designations, which the Democrats believe will weaken protections for threatened species. 
