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DOI/FWS RIN: 1018-BI38 Publication ID: Spring 2025 
Title: ●Rescinding the Definition of "Harm" Under the Endangered Species Act 
Abstract:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of "harm” in our Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of "harm,” which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term "take.” We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.

 
Agency: Department of the Interior(DOI)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Deregulatory 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 17   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  04/17/2025  90 FR 16102   
NPRM Comment Period End  05/19/2025 
Final Action  07/00/2025 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: YES  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Related RINs: Related to 0648-BN93  Related Agencies: Joint: DOC/NOAA; 
Agency Contact:
Gina Shultz
Acting Assistant Director, Ecological Services
Department of the Interior
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
MS: ES, 5275 Leesburg Pike,
Falls Church, VA 22041
Phone:703 358-2171
Email: adecologicalservices@fws.gov