Final Rules to Revise Endangered Species Act Regulations

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and NOAA Fisheries jointly finalized revisions to regulations that implement portions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

In 2017, we sought public input on how the Federal government can improve upon the regulatory framework. We received input from a wide range of stakeholders on modernizing the implementation of the ESA in order to improve collaboration, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Through this rule making effort, the agencies have changed some of the parameters under which other federal agencies must consult with the Service and NOAA Fisheries to ensure their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species, or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. The agencies have also changed various measures to clarify some of the standards under which listings, delisting, and reclassifications, and critical habitat designations are made.

The proposed rules were published on July 25, 2018, for public comment.

The final rules were signed on August 12, 2019 and published on August 27, 2019.

The Regulations for Listing Species and Designating Critical Habitat (84 FR 45020) are effective on September 26, 2019.

The Regulations for Interagency Cooperation (84 FR 44976) are effective on October 28, 2019.