What is the Endangered Species Act?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal law that protects endangered and threatened species and their habitats in Washington. Passed by Congress in 1973, this law was created to protect and recover species that are in danger of disappearing forever. The ESA provides protection for species that are considered in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range. It also provides protection for species that are likely to become endangered in the near future. Under the ESA, it is illegal to take, import, export, possess, or sell any endangered species listed in the Act. The Process of Listing Species includes scientific review, public comment, and consultation with state and other federal agencies. The ESA requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service if their activities may affect listed species or their habitats. These consultations help balance economic and environmental interests. The ESA also encourages cooperation among governments and other stakeholders to develop plans for the conservation of species and habitats. It also allows government agencies and private landowners to work together on projects that benefit listed species, often with funding provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The ESA has proven to be extremely effective in preserving species and their habitats, and in some cases, has successfully kept species from becoming extinct. Washington has several species listed on the ESA, including salmon, orcas, spotted owls, and several species of shorebirds.

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What is the Endangered Species Act?

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