endangered species act

The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973. Although Ohio has more than 100 endangered species, the act has helped protect the state's most vulnerable species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is removing federal protections for gray wolves in the contiguous U.S., saying the species' recovery is a success. Wildlife groups are promising to sue.

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt says the revisions will make the landmark conservation law more efficient. Critics say it will hurt endangered plants and animals as they face mounting threats.

The Endangered Species Act, which shields more than 2,000 plant, animal and insect species at risk from extinction, has withstood regular efforts to…