OPINION: Washington needs its own Endangered Species Act

The state shouldn’t rely on litigation or federal agencies to protect its biodiversity

By: Fred Koontz

Outlets: Columbia insight

Published: October 27, 2026

Words: 947

Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago

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Washington state, Northwest tribal nations and conservation groups deserve credit for legally challenging the federal government’s recent actions weakening key protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Enacted in 1973, the ESA directs federal agencies to prevent the extinction of species and conserve the ecosystems on which they depend. The recent federal changes to the law include a new rule that took effect on Sept. 14 rescinding the long-standing ESA definition of “harm,” which shielded …

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