The Trump Administration recently proposed that the word “harm” in the Endangered Species Act would be redacted, threatening endangered species across the United States.

The Endangered Species Act, or ESA, is a federal law that protects fish, wildlife, and plants that are considered threatened or endangered. The Act includes the words “take” and “harm.” “Take” refers to harassing, trapping, killing, poaching, and shooting an endangered species. “Harm” refers to removing, altering, and destroying the habitat or environment that these creatures inhabit, rather than hurting them directly. ESA prohibits these activities and any intention to do so. But if the word “harm” is redacted, it will open the door for serious habitat destruction.

So, why does the government want this? The ESA is prohibiting companies from logging, drilling, and mining in locations that endangered species may inhabit. Take the spotted owl, for example. By law, building and logging within a 70-acre circle of land surrounding their nests is strictly prohibited. But if the word “harm” is removed, these owls and their homes could be seriously threatened.

You can get involved by visiting www.worldwildlife.org to start helping endangered creatures.