I strongly oppose these…

I strongly oppose these changes. The changes you plan to make to the 2007 ESA pose great potential risk at our ability to protect all living beings. The current ESA allows us to take an ecosystem approach to species protection and conservation. The proposed changes negative the value of habitat connectivity that is vital for healthy wildlife populations.

The 2007 ESA leaves space to develop understanding for the habitat requirements of endangered species. This includes understanding variability in migration habitats, interconnectivity, carrying capacity, and the effect that 'harassement' may have on species health. This is important, as there are many species we still have limited understanding about. Leaving the definition of habitat open to broad understanding is important and intentional. Habitats are broad and interrelated in ways that we don't know about, but as scientific evidence continues to suggest is vital to the wellbeing of wildlife popualtions.

It is unclear how the interim changes also relate to the duty to consult with indigenous communities. With faster permit timing, the ability to adequetely and effectively consult with indigenous communities is limited and inherently colonial as the timelines for permit approval (if even needed under the new act) do not necessarily align with indigenous worldviews. The current ESA allows for traditional ecological knowledge to be considered within the framework. It is unclear how this would change with the proposed changes.

These changes make environmental decisions vulternable to political power. The environment is a non-partisan issue. Balancing economy and environment should not be something that needs to be done by our government. The need for a growing economy should not come at the detriment to our wildlife and environment. Please consider alternate, green approaches for economic developments rather than ones that will overtime, cost us much more.