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The endangered Colorado toad. Deposit Photos.
The endangered Colorado toad. Deposit Photos.
Weiser joins fight to block rollback of species protections
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 19, 2025//
DENVER — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in opposing a proposed rollback of endangered species protections by the Trump administration.
In Brief:
- Phil Weiser joins 16 AGs opposing ESA rollback
- Proposal would weaken federal wildlife protections
- AGs cite threats to habitats, endangered species
- ESA credited with recovering bald eagle, other species
In a formal comment letter submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, the coalition criticized a proposed rule that would rescind regulatory definitions of “harm” under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The attorneys general argue the change would significantly weaken the ESA’s ability to protect wildlife—particularly from habitat destruction, pollution, and water degradation, even when those actions result in injury or death to species listed under the law.
“Colorado has a long history of people from all backgrounds working together to protect our wildlife while ensuring economic progress and development,” Weiser said. “This latest action by the Trump administration to weaken federal protections threatens dozens of species.”
Weiser emphasized the ecological risks of undermining protections, warning of “devastating unforeseen consequences” to Colorado’s fragile ecosystems.
First enacted in 1973, the ESA has played a key role in recovering species like the bald eagle. In Colorado, protected species include the black-footed ferret, whooping crane and Colorado pikeminnow.
The attorneys general also argue the proposal violates the Administrative Procedure Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
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