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

The Trump administration has decided to strip federal protections from critical habitats of endangered species, shifting the responsibility to state governments. However, state officials are voicing concerns about their ability to manage these areas effectively. This change, finalized under the Endangered Species Act, has raised alarms among experts who argue that states lack the resources and expertise needed to safeguard these environments. The move could have significant implications for biodiversity, as habitats that once received federal oversight may now be at greater risk of degradation and exploitation.