Natural Resources Law – Environmental and Energy Law Program

Quick Takes

Trump Administration Targets Endangered Species Act Habitat Protections

The proposal would remove a key safeguard for endangered wildlife by removing the longstanding definition of “harm,” which includes habitat modification or degradation.

May 6, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Marine National Monuments & Marine Sanctuaries

The Trump Administration took steps to roll back marine monument protections via executive order and proclamation.

April 17, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Endangered Species Act Regulations

The Trump administration issued its first proposed rollback to ESA protections.

April 15, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

National Monuments

The Biden administration designated and expanded national monuments. The Trump DOI has slated these for rollback.

March 25, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Bristol Bay and the Pebble Mine

The Biden EPA issued a Clean Water Act determination that blocked the Pebble Mine, finding the project would significantly impact the Bristol Bay watershed. A court granted the Trump DOJ’s request to stay litigation challenging that determination.

February 14, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge — Oil and Gas Development

President Trump ordered a series of actions to initiate more oil and gas exploration, leasing, and extraction in the refuge. A lease sale earlier in January received no bids.

February 5, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Oil and Gas Development in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve

President Trump ordered BLM to reverse protections in the NPR-A put in place under President Biden. The Willow Project has been approved, with litigation pending.

February 3, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

The Izembek Refuge Road

President Trump directed agencies to expedite development of a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge connecting King Cove and Cold Bay in Alaska.

January 20, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Alaska Roadless Rule

Under President Biden, USDA finalized a rule restoring protections in national forests, including the Tongass, which was challenged. President Trump directed USDA to pause implementation and roll back the rule.

January 20, 2025