Statement: Senate committee OKs bill to save America’s wildlife

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (S.2372) on Thursday by a 15-5 vote. Sponsored by Sens. Martin Heinrich (NM) and Roy Blunt (MO), the bipartisan bill would send $1.3 billion total each year to the states to protect at-risk species and their habitats. The bill also provides $750 million in one-time funding for an Endangered Species Recovery and Habitat Conservation Legacy Fund. 

At a time when one-third of the fish and wildlife species in the United States are at risk of becoming threatened or endangered, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act aims to restore populations before they reach the brink of extinction.

More than 1,000 diverse groups — including environmental organizations, hunter and angler groups, outdoor recreation retailers, and state and federal wildlife agencies — support the bill. The House Committee on Natural Resources voted in favor of its version of the bill on January 19, 2022.  

Following the markup, Environment America’s Conservation Program Director Steve Blackledge issued the following statement: 

“From massive bison roaming the Plains to monarch butterflies floating in our backyards, Americans love wildlife. But the sad reality is that far too many species are sliding toward extinction. 

“This bipartisan bill will put real money into the hands of state wildlife agencies, ensuring that wildlife action plans are put into action and not just a PDF on someone’s computer. If states get this new funding, they can act with urgency to protect species on the decline and give them a foothold on survival. 

“We’re thrilled to see Committee Chairman Tom Carper and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito, as well as the lead sponsors Senators Martin Heinrich and Roy Blunt, grab this issue by the horns. Now, we urge Congress to get the bill across the finish line and save America’s wildlife.”