The feds no longer protect endangered species habitat. States say they can’t pick up the slack.

The Trump administration has decided to lift federal protections for critical habitats of endangered species, asserting that states should take over conservation efforts. However, experts argue that states lack the resources and expertise to adequately safeguard these areas. This shift under the Endangered Species Act could have severe implications for biodiversity, as states may not have the necessary funding or scientific infrastructure to manage these habitats effectively, potentially leading to increased species extinction rates.