Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2023
This legislation is expected to significantly impact wildlife management programs by ensuring steady funding for conservation efforts over the next several years. The allocations proposed include $850 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing to $1.3 billion by fiscal year 2027. This structured support is set to allow for innovative recovery strategies and is positioned to enhance state efforts to protect at-risk species, thereby potentially reducing future listings under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Such funds would supplement but not supplant existing conservation funds, providing an additional layer of security for wildlife management programs.
SB1149, also known as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2023, proposes amendments to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to enhance the management of fish and wildlife species that are most at risk of becoming endangered. It aims to provide essential financial assistance to state wildlife agencies, territories, and Indian Tribes to help avoid the need for federal listing of species as endangered or to facilitate faster recovery for those currently on endangered lists. The bill seeks to establish a dedicated funding structure through a new subaccount that guarantees availability without further appropriation, facilitating immediate action for conservation initiatives.
Notable points of contention have arisen around the funding provisions and the authority granted to state agencies versus the federal government. Some stakeholders express concerns that federal control over the fund may lead to restrictions that impede local wildlife management efforts. Moreover, there are debates about the specifics of allocations, particularly regarding how the funds will be distributed among various states and territories, and the requirement of matching funds, which could impact smaller or less funded state agencies. There is also an emphasis on ensuring that the use of these funds does not compel public access to private lands, maintaining a level of local autonomy.