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

The Trump administration has made a significant shift by removing federal protections for critical habitats of endangered species like forests, wetlands, and deserts, leaving states to fill the void. However, state governments are expressing concerns about their ability to manage these habitats without federal support. This change could have serious implications for biodiversity, as it diminishes the legal framework that has historically safeguarded these ecosystems. The move highlights a broader tension between federal and state responsibilities in environmental conservation.