Senators Reintroduce Landmark Wildlife Conservation Bill
The bipartisan legislation would invest billions in state, Tribal conservation efforts
Media Contacts
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Eric Bontrager
The Nature Conservancy
Phone: 703-887-0559
Email: eric.bontrager@tnc.org
Senators yesterday proposed the largest investment in U.S. wildlife conservation in decades, restarting an effort on legislation nearly passed in the last Congress.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) would invest $1.397 billion per year in state and Tribal efforts to help wildlife at risk of extinction and help those already endangered recover. The bill is sponsored by Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
States and Tribes have a long track record of success in helping recover species before they require the far more costly “emergency room” intervention of the Endangered Species Act. From restoring wildlife habitat to fighting invasive species, this conservation work has multiple benefits for local communities, including job growth, cleaner water, and more outdoor recreation opportunities.
Quote: Jennifer Morris
In this period of divided government, this is an opportunity for lawmakers to find common ground and build on the remarkable, bipartisan progress Congress has made in recent years on conservation.
The following is a statement by Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy:
“America’s wildlife is in crisis. More than a third of our fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction, just one part of a global biodiversity decline threatening the future of people and nature alike. This crisis demands immediate and substantial investment in strategies proven to slow, stop, and reverse this decline.
“State and Tribal wildlife agencies are uniquely positioned to restore America’s biodiversity. For decades, they’ve implemented time-tested, on-the-ground strategies proven to conserve species and their habitats. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would be the shot in the arm these agencies need, allowing them to ramp up work that benefits both species and the communities where they live.
“Last Congress, there was overwhelming, bipartisan momentum for this bill. Reintroducing so soon is not only a sign that momentum has not let up but also how important it is to save America’s biodiversity. We simply have no time left to waste. In this period of divided government, this is an opportunity for lawmakers to find common ground and build on the remarkable, bipartisan progress Congress has made in recent years on conservation. We urge lawmakers to quickly pass this bill to accelerate the work we need to save America’s wildlife.”
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.
Explore Further
Recovering America’s Wildlife
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will help safeguard habitats and biodiversity, slow extinction rates and secure a brighter future for people and nature.
50 Species, 50 States: 50 Years of Action for Nature
In its first 50 years, the U.S. Endangered Species Act has played a major role in conserving rare plants and animals in every state. Take a moment to celebrate its success where you live.