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 crucial habitats of endangered species, leaving it up to states to safeguard these areas. However, many state governments are voicing concerns about their capacity to handle the responsibility, especially given their limited resources and expertise. This move raises concerns about the future of biodiversity and ecosystem health, as experts warn that states may not be prepared to fill the gap left by federal withdrawal. The decision underscores a broader debate about the role of federal versus state governance in environmental protection.