1. Assumption by States of certain ESA responsibilities (a) In general The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is amended by inserting after section 6 ( 16 U.S.C. 1535 ) the following: 6A. Assumption by States of certain responsibilities relating to highway projects (a) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall carry out an assignment program (referred to in this section as the program ) to allow States to assume certain responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to agency actions applicable to highway projects within the State. (2) Assumption of responsibility (A) In general Subject to the other requirements of this section, on written agreement of the Secretary and a State (which may be in the form of a memorandum of understanding), the Secretary may assign, and the State may assume, the responsibilities of the Secretary under subsections (a) and (b) of section 7 with respect to agency actions (as defined in subsection (a)(2) of that section) that are applicable to one or more highway projects in the State. (B) Additional responsibility (i) In general If a State assumes responsibility under subparagraph (A)— (I) the Secretary may assign to the State, and the State may assume, all or part of the responsibilities of the Secretary described in that subparagraph for environmental review, consultation, or other action required under any Federal environmental law pertaining to the review or approval of highway projects described in the agreement referred to in that subparagraph