The Trump administration is removing protections from the key places where endangered species live, saying states can keep the areas safe. But experts say states aren’t equipped for the task. Earlier this month, the Trump administration finalized a major change to the Endangered Species Act, rolling back protections [and opening] many landscapes to development, logging, mining and oil and gas drilling. …States that wish to continue protecting habitats can do so under state law… But legal experts and wildlife veterans say that almost no states have endangered species laws on the books that allow state officials to prevent habitat destruction in the name of saving wildlife. …In public comments after the rule was initially proposed, wildlife agency leaders from both liberal and conservative states said the change would be a blow to their conservation efforts. …Last week, a coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit challenging the “harm” rule.