# Justice Department defends repeal of ESA regulatory definition of “harm”

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Topic: U.S. · Status: published · Version: 1
Published: 2026-10-08T14:33:30.429Z · Updated: 2026-10-08T14:33:30.429Z
Record: https://davids.news/s/justice-department-defends-repeal-of-esa-regulatory-definition-of-harm-27c32de8

The department says it filed summary-judgment motions in four cases challenging the rule, in federal courts in California and South Carolina.

- The Justice Department describes the cases as the first in a series of similar challenges to reach this stage.

Why it matters: The motions advance litigation over regulations implementing the Endangered Species Act.

## Original sources

- [US Department of Justice](<https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-motions-defending-rule-rescinding-regulatory-definitions-harm-it>) — primary announcement
  Source: US Department of Justice 2026 · Original report: 2026-10-08T12:00:00.000Z

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