How do I submit a public comment on Foreign Endangered Species?

The public comment window for this decision closed on March 26, 2026. The record of what was at stake stays on this page.

When is the public comment deadline for Foreign Endangered Species?

The comment window closed on March 26, 2026.

Do public comments actually change federal decisions?

Yes, when they are substantive. Agencies are legally required to read and respond to substantive comments before finalizing a rule, and specific personal comments about real places and real uses carry far more weight than identical form letters. Courts have overturned rules when agencies ignored substantive comments.

Affects public lands

Oppose Foreign Endangered Species

Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications

Fish and Wildlife ServiceFederal Register 2026-03681 ↗

ESA Wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting public comment on permit applications to conduct activities involving foreign endangered species listed under the Endangered Species Act. These permits would allow activities that are otherwise prohibited by the ESA, such as import, export, or take of listed foreign species. Conservation professionals, researchers, and organizations working with internationally protected wildlife are the most directly affected.

In the agency’s own words

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

Federal Register 2026-03681 ↗

The reporting behind this

From More Than Just Parks

Trump Administration to Legalize Killing of Endangered SpeciesSep 17, 2026

A memo signed by Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik rewrites the heart of the Endangered Species Act without a vote, a rule, or a single public comment.

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