# U.S. Department of the Interior

Type: government agency

Source: GetYourBrief — https://getyourbrief.com/entity/us-department-of-the-interior-government-agency
Canonical HTML page: https://getyourbrief.com/entity/us-department-of-the-interior-government-agency

## Timeline

- **2026-09-12**: Effective Date — The rescission takes effect; 'harm' no longer includes indirect habitat modification.
- **2026-07-14**: Final Rule Published in Federal Register — FWS and NMFS formally publish the final rescission rule, triggering 60-day effective countdown.
- **2026-07-10**: Joint Announcement — U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Commerce announce final rule rescinding the 'harm' definition.
- **2026-02-22**: Public Record — Scheduled publication of comprehensive reader dissent in The Mercury News and East Bay Times.
- **2026-02-20**: Public Outcry — Major regional newspapers report a surge in public letters protesting the policy shifts.
- **2026-02-18**: Parks Nomination — The White House submits the official nomination for the Director of the National Park Service.
- **2026-02-15**: Climate Rule Revocation — Administration announces the formal revocation of major federal climate and emissions rules.
- **2025-04-24**: Proposed Rule Released — FWS and NMFS publish proposed rule to rescind the 'harm' definition, initiating public comment period.
- **1995-06-29**: Babbitt v. Sweet Home Decision — Supreme Court upholds regulatory 'harm' definition including habitat modification; Justice Scalia files dissent.

## Recent coverage (3 stories, network-wide)

### Biotech's ESA Burden Lifted? 'Harm' Rule Ends in 60 Days, Easing Facility Permits
2026-07-15 00:05:22 · Sector: bio · Sentiment: Neutral · Impact: 7/10 · Sources: 2

The rescission of the ESA's 'harm' definition removes a major regulatory hurdle for biotech and pharma facility construction near sensitive habitats. Starting September 12, 2026, indirect habitat impacts will no longer trigger 'take' liability, potentially accelerating project timelines and reducing permitting costs for life-science companies.
Full story: https://getbiobrief.com/story/esa-harm-repeal-biotech-facilities

### ESA 'Harm' Rule Gone: Agencies Adopt Scalia Dissent, Effective Sept. 12, 2026
2026-07-15 00:04:12 · Sector: legal · Sentiment: Neutral · Impact: 7/10 · Sources: 2

Federal agencies have finalized the rescission of the Endangered Species Act's 'harm' definition, replacing it with Justice Scalia's dissent interpretation. This dramatically narrows what constitutes a prohibited 'take' and eliminates indirect habitat liability, creating significant legal uncertainty and anticipated litigation from conservation groups.
Full story: https://getlegalbrief.com/story/esa-harm-rescission-legal-impact

### Public Backlash Intensifies Over Climate Rule Rollbacks and Parks Nominee
2026-02-21 12:09:05 · Sector: climate · Sentiment: Neutral · Impact: 5/10 · Sources: 2

A wave of public dissent is mounting following the federal revocation of key climate regulations and the controversial nomination of a new National Parks head. Critics warn these moves signal a retreat from environmental leadership and a potential return to the hazardous air quality levels of the 1960s.
Full story: https://getclimatebrief.com/story/climate-rule-revocation-parks-nominee-backlash

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