Creation Justice Ministries laments new attacks on Endangered Species

WASHINGTON – On July 10th, 2026, the Trump Administration weakened the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with a final rulemaking that rescinded the definition of “harm” under the ESA. By  defying a decision by the Supreme Court, this final rule opens new pathways for widespread destruction of sacred habitat for endangered wildlife of God’s Creation. The ESA has been our most effective law to protect biodiversity and prevent the extinction of our most vulnerable animals, fish, and plants. Nearly all species listed under the ESA have been saved from extinction and hundreds are on the path to recovery today. The new rule is the first in a series of rollbacks aimed at dismantling this invaluable policy. 

For more than 40 years, the harm definition has protected endangered species, including bald eagles, grey wolves, manatees and humpback whales, by recognizing the common-sense concept that destroying a forest, beach, river, or wetland that a species relies on for survival constitutes harm to that species. Many of our precious wild neighbors, animals and plants, in the U.S. are already running out of places to live due to habitat destruction. When species disappear, ecosystems become at risk of wide-range collapse. Humans need intact ecosystems for everything from agriculture to clean water, from medicine to disease prevention.

As people of God we have the responsibility to protect and restore creation. God created the Heavens, Earth, and all creatures who live there.  Genesis 1:30 says, “ And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.” The creation story clearly illustrates the way God carefully crafted each animal, insect, plant and mineral. So full of God is every creature that is threatened, endangered, or faces extinction that to lose one  is to lose a piece of God

As Creation faces a biodiversity crisis, the Administration should be strengthening protections for endangered species, not dismantling habitats they need to survive. We urge the Administration to stand alongside Creation and revoke this harmful decision.


About Creation Justice Ministries:
Creation Justice Ministries represents the creation care policies of 38 Christian communions, including Baptists, Mainline Protestants, Orthodox, and Peace churches. We educate, equip, and mobilize Christian communities to protect, restore, and rightly share God's creation.
For questions: Contact Madison Mayhew, Policy and Advocacy Manager: [email protected]