The Senate stands at a pivotal juncture to enact a law that could secure essential support and funding for our country’s wildlife, ensuring the sustainability of diverse species. The bipartisan initiative, known as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, aims to allocate unprecedented conservation funds to states, tribes, and territories through effective, on-the-ground cooperative efforts.

An allocation of $1.3 billion from the legislation is designated for state fish and wildlife agencies to collaborate with state-based conservation entities. These funds will be directed toward the implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans, which are developed through scientific research and public engagement, receiving approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Moreover, the act is poised to address the longstanding shortfall in funding for Tribal wildlife conservation by earmarking $97 million for tribal nations.

The legislation seeks to avert the decline of wildlife populations to critical levels that necessitate the “emergency room” interventions of the Endangered Species Act. Early conservation efforts are vital as they are more likely to ensure a species’ recovery and are cost-effective compared to the efforts required once a species is on the brink of extinction.