MONARCH Act of 2023 Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2023
The bill establishes the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund, which is authorized to receive $12.5 million annually from fiscal years 2023 through 2027. This fund will provide grants for conservation projects aimed at the recovery of the monarch butterfly and supporting other pollinators. Eligible entities for these grants include local and Tribal government agencies, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with relevant expertise. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with overseeing the grants, ensuring projects align with conservation goals, and reporting on their outcomes. This funding will support tailored projects that actively seek to reverse the decline in monarch populations through scientific and community engagement.
SB857, known as the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2023, aims to address the critical situation of the western monarch butterfly population, which has declined by over 99% in the last three decades. The bill recognizes that the extinction of this population is likely within the next two decades if urgent actions are not implemented. It highlights the pressing need to restore native milkweed and nectar plants, as well as to protect vital habitats that are central to the lifecycle of the monarchs. The findings of the bill make it clear that conservation efforts can also benefit other pollinators that play essential roles in ecosystems and agriculture.
While the bill has broad support among environmental advocates and stakeholders who recognize the urgency of the monarch butterfly's plight, there could be contention regarding the prioritization of funds and projects. As with many environmental initiatives, there may be discussions over how funds are distributed, what criteria dictate project approval, and how federal regulations shift focus from local conservation efforts. Competing interests, such as agricultural practices and land-use policies, may also spark debate around the proposed conservation strategies, especially if restrictions impact farming or land management practices in affected regions.