Audubon Supports U.S. House Bill to Fund Wildlife Recovery
“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will be an important part of how we respond to the loss of 3 billion birds in North America since 1970,” said Sarah Greenberger, senior vice president for conservation policy, National Audubon Society. “The dedicated funding provided in this bill will help state wildlife agencies proactively conserve vulnerable species, like the Golden-Winged Warbler and Black Tern.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) reintroduced the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act today. The legislation, often referred to as RAWA, passed the House last year as part of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, but did not move further. RAWA enjoys broad bipartisan support – with 10 original cosponsors from across the United States.
“Congress has the opportunity to not only help wildlife, but also create jobs in communities across the country,” said Greenberger.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will dedicate $1.3 billion for states and territories and $97.5 million to tribal nations annually for proactive, on-the-ground conservation projects. It is estimated that RAWA will create over 30,000 jobs and generate over $93 billion in total economic activity.
Current funding for state Wildlife Action Plans, collectively about $70 million per year, is less than five percent of what is necessary to conserve the species most at-risk. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act aimed to help fill the gap. It provides 75 percent of the cost, which equals the $1.3 billion per year outlined in the bill. Each state would be responsible for coming up with the other 25 percent.
Today the Alliance for America’s Fish and Wildlife submitted a letter signed by more than 350 organizations and businesses, including the National Audubon Society, to the U.S. House encouraging support for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.
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About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
PHOTO: Common Merganser. Photo: Andrea Jaszlics/Audubon Photography Awards