Us Congress Senate Bill SB2128

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/18/25
• Refer: 6/18/25

Caption

MONARCH Act of 2025 Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025

Impact

The proposed legislation establishes a dedicated Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund, appropriating $12.5 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to support conservation efforts. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with local governments, non-profits, and other stakeholders to implement conservation plans aimed at restoring critical habitats. By providing grants for projects focused on habitat restoration and maintenance, the bill aims not only to conserve the monarch butterfly but also to sustain other pollinator species integral to plant health and agricultural productivity.

Summary

SB2128, known as the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025, seeks to address the critical decline of the western monarch butterfly population, which has decreased by over 99% in the past three decades due to habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental factors. The bill emphasizes the need for urgent action to protect this iconic species, which has reached alarming population lows, underscoring its vulnerability and the potential for extinction within the next two decades without intervention.

Contention

Discussion around SB2128 may center on the balance between environmental conservation efforts and agricultural practices. Some stakeholders might express concerns regarding the costs associated with habitat restoration projects, or the impact of conservation efforts on land used for farming. The bill aims to ensure that conservation initiatives do not conflict with food safety measures, suggesting a proactive approach to address possible conflicts between conservation goals and agricultural needs.