Trump’s move leaves birds unprotected, giving big win to oil industry

Imagine a world without dawn bird songs or their sight in the sky. That reality could come sooner than we think. In a controversial move, the Trump administration has weakened one of America’s oldest environmental laws, stripping away protections that have safeguarded birds for over a century.

The U.S. Interior Department suspended legal opinions holding companies accountable for accidentally killing birds. This means industries like oil, gas, and construction won’t face penalties for harming birds—regardless of the number—unless it was intentional. Environmentalists are raising alarms, cautioning that this decision could hasten the decline of numerous bird species already facing challenges due to climate change and habitat destruction.

“This will hurt migratory birds already in trouble,” said Tara Zuardo from the Center for Biological Diversity.

What is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?

Passed in 1918, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) was created to protect birds from overhunting and habitat destruction. It was introduced after several common bird species, like the passenger pigeon, went extinct due to unregulated hunting.

The law prohibits harming, capturing, or killing migratory birds without permits. Over the years, it has held companies accountable for environmental disasters, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which killed hundreds of thousands of birds.

Now, with Trump’s rollback, businesses that accidentally kill birds—through oil spills, wind turbines, or other activities—won’t be held responsible. Conservationists warn this could lead to further population declines, making it harder for many bird species to survive.

Trump weakens bird protection law

For years, the oil and gas industry has resisted penalties for bird deaths, arguing against punishing companies for accidents. Trump’s decision is a major win for them, especially for billionaire oil tycoon Harold Hamm, a key supporter of Trump’s 2024 campaign. Hamm has long opposed the bird protection law, especially after his company was fined for bird deaths in 2011.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, passed in 1918 to stop mass bird killings for fashion and sport, has held companies accountable for disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which killed hundreds of thousands of birds.

During Trump’s first term, his administration tried to weaken the law, but a judge ruled against it in 2020. The Biden administration restored protections, only for Trump’s team to roll them back again.

“This decision is a huge setback,” said Andrew Carter from Defenders of Wildlife. “Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystems, and this will make things worse.”

Industries like oil and wind energy harm birds, but conservationists argue that common-sense measures—like covering oil waste pits and adjusting wind turbine designs—can prevent many deaths. With the law weakened again, companies may have little incentive to take precautions.

With bird populations declining, environmentalists fear this move could push some species closer to extinction. Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters in the energy sector celebrate, as this decision removes another regulatory obstacle.

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