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, shifting the responsibility to states. Critics argue that states lack the resources and expertise to effectively safeguard these areas. This move, finalized under the Endangered Species Act, has raised alarms among environmental experts who fear it could lead to significant declines in biodiversity and ecosystem health. The decision underscores a broader trend of federal rollback on environmental protections, raising concerns about the future of conservation efforts.