Changes to the Definition of 'Harm' in the Endangered Species Act
《瀕危物種法案》中「傷害」定義的修訂
Introduction
The Trump administration has finalized a new rule that narrows the definition of 'harm' under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This change effectively removes federal protections against the destruction of habitats for threatened and endangered species.
川普政府已敲定一項新規定，縮小了《瀕危物種法案》（ESA）中關於「傷害」的定義。這項變動實際上取消了聯邦政府針對威脅及瀕危物種棲息地被破壞的保護措施。
Main Body
The new rule, issued by the Departments of the Interior and Commerce, states that 'harm' now only refers to actions that directly injure or kill a protected species. Consequently, it no longer includes the damage or loss of critical habitats. This is a major change from the previous fifty-year policy, which was supported by a 1995 Supreme Court decision. The administration emphasized that this change is necessary due to recent court rulings and is intended to protect private property rights and encourage economic growth.
由內政部與商務部發布的新規定指出，「傷害」現在僅指直接導致受保護物種受傷或死亡的行為。因此，關鍵棲息地的損壞或喪失不再被納入其中。這是對過去五十年政策的重大變動，而之前的政策曾獲得 1995 年最高法院裁決的支持。政府強調，由於近期的法院裁決，此項變動勢在必行，旨在保護私有財產權並鼓勵經濟增長。
However, there is a strong disagreement between government officials and scientists. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asserted that the old rules were an obstacle to American prosperity. In contrast, ecologists argue that protecting habitats is the most important factor for saving species. They pointed out that about 81% of endangered species between 1975 and 2017 were threatened mainly by habitat loss. Furthermore, Secretary Burgum suggested that new genetic technology might one day reduce the need for strict habitat protections.
然而，政府官員與科學家之間存在嚴重分歧。內政部長 Doug Burgum 與商務部長 Howard Lutnick 堅稱，舊有規定是美國繁榮的障礙。相反，生態學家認為保護棲息地是拯救物種最重要的因素。他們指出，在 1975 年至 2017 年間，約 81% 的瀕危物種主要受到棲息地喪失的威脅。此外，Burgum 部長暗示，新的基因技術或許能在未來降低對嚴格棲息地保護的需求。
These changes will have a significant impact in California, where nearly 300 protected species live. Without habitat protections, there may be more oil drilling, mining, and logging in these areas. Species such as the Northern Spotted Owl and the Monarch Butterfly are now more vulnerable. As a result, environmental groups like the Sierra Club have announced that they will take legal action to challenge the rule in court.
這些變動將對加州產生重大影響，因為該地棲息著近 300 種受保護物種。若缺乏棲息地保護，這些地區可能會出現更多石油鑽探、採礦與伐木活動。例如北斑點鴞與黑脈金斑蝶等物種，現在變得更加脆弱。因此，像是 Sierra Club 等環保團體已宣布，將採取法律行動在法院挑戰該規定。
Conclusion
Currently, the federal rule allows for habitat modification, but the final outcome depends on the results of the expected legal battles with conservation groups.
目前聯邦規定允許修改棲息地，但最終結果將取決於預期與保育團體之間法律訴訟的結果。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Logic-Link' Upgrade
At the A2 level, you probably use and, but, and because to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Transition Words that show a professional relationship between two facts.
Look at how the article connects complex ideas. Instead of simple words, it uses 'Logic-Links':
🔗 The Cause-and-Effect Chain
- Consequently Used when one event leads directly to another.
- A2 style: The rule changed, so habitats are not protected.
- B2 style: The rule changed; consequently, it no longer includes the damage of critical habitats.
- As a result Used to show the final outcome of a situation.
- Example: "As a result, environmental groups... will take legal action."
⚖️ The 'Comparison' Pivot
- In contrast Used to put two opposite opinions side-by-side.
- A2 style: Officials like the rule, but scientists don't.
- B2 style: Officials asserted the rules were obstacles. In contrast, ecologists argue that protecting habitats is the most important factor.
➕ The 'Information Stack'
- Furthermore Used when you have already given one strong point and want to add a second, even stronger point.
- Example: The author mentions habitat loss statistics and furthermore adds the idea of genetic technology.
🚀 Pro-Tip for the Transition: Stop using 'and' to start a sentence. Try replacing it with 'Furthermore' when adding a point or 'Consequently' when explaining a result. This immediately makes your English sound more academic and fluent.