# Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act

**Action Urgency Score:** 55/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Interior Department; Fish and Wildlife Service; Commerce Department; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
| Type | Final rule |
| Action | Final rule. |
| Published | 2026-07-14 |
| Effective | 2026-09-14 |
| Significant | Yes (EO 12866) |
| CFR parts | 50 CFR 17, 50 CFR 222 |
| Summary | We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS; collectively referred to as the "Services") rescind the regulatory definition of "harm" in our Endangered Species Act (ESA or the Act) regulations. This rescission removes the regulatory definition of "harm" from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in Title 50 parts 17 and 222. |
| Document number | 2026-14195 |

## Why this score
- Significant rule under EO 12866.
- Final rule.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14195/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T21:40:49.974Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.