Eagles and Owls and Trump, Oh My:

So, you've heard of the Midas Touch -- everything the king touched turned to gold. Well, the Trump Administration is attempting a twist on the classic -- we’ll call it the Trump Touch: everything the President touches turns into real estate and mining opportunities. This time, Trump's transformative Midas fingers are reaching for protections of endangered species habitats across the country. Specifically, to withdraw them. And if you think beavers and bald eagles are going to start sporting hardhats and pickaxes, we have a climate crisis to sell you. 

The Skinny on the Habitat Hit:

Here’s the elevator pitch: The Trump administration is planning to constrict protections for endangered species. The move could potentially pave the way for large, industrial projects to spread over critical habitat territories. The administration is arguing that “habitat modification and destruction” should not be considered "harm" to a species. In other words, say goodbye to those cute little forest critters because they're about to become heavy equipment operators and project managers.

The Legal Loop-de-Loop:

Inspecting the fine print, the new proposal is centered around an etymological wrestling match with the terms “harm” and “take.” These have traditionally been used to refer to damaging, altering, or elimination of species' habitats (i.e., "harm"). We'll spare you the DJT-directed definition dissection and cut to the chase: if this plan goes ahead, the consequences could be catastrophic damage to species that already have their backs against the wall (not a Trump wall – a metaphorical one).

Nature in the Dock:

Environmentalists are suiting up for the impending courtroom brawl. If Trump's legislation becomes reality, it could spell disaster for many species including the likes of spotted owls and Florida panthers. The administration’s proposal, leaving endangered species out in the cold, might just feel like an episode of Game of Thrones, and it’s not looking good for the House of the Environment. 

Trump’s Continued Flick at the Environment:

This isn't the first time Trump has aimed his executive powers at environmental protections. Earlier this year, he declared a national energy emergency, marshaling a committee affectionately referred to as the “God squad,” with the authority to override the Endangered Species Act, even in situations where extinction is likely.

Land and Sea:

The US isn’t the only one in Trump's crosshairs. Hawaii’s unique ecosystem is also at risk. Despite only occupying 1% of America’s land area, Hawaii is home to 40% of the nation's federally listed endangered species, from beautiful green sea turtles to the dozens of little native bees. The planned legislation presents a lethal risk, namely furthering Hawaii’s extinction emergency and eroding the biological and cultural heritage of the islands.

Trump’s Tycoon Touch:

In Trump’s version of America, bulldozers are set to replace bald eagles as the nation's symbol. With a record teeming with attempts to override environmental protections for corporate gain, Mother Nature might need to lawyer up and fast. All the while, the rest of us are left wondering if our oceans will turn into oil fields before the polar ice caps have had a chance to completely melt away.

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