As many as one-third of America’s wildlife species need urgent conservation action. States have identified more than 12,000 at-risk species requiring conservation and monitoring. Among the threats America’s native wildlife face include habitat loss, invasive species, disease and climate change. What it means: Currently, 80% of the funding for state wildlife agencies comes from state hunting and fishing licenses and permits, as well as federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing gear. While this funding model has worked well for…
Read MoreAbandoned mines are a source of hazardous materials that can leak into lakes, rivers and streams potentially causing harmful damage to local ecosystems and valuable fisheries. What’s next: Two bipartisan bills that could help restore the land and water surrounding these abandoned mines were recently introduced in Congress. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Amendments Act of 2021 and the Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2021 (RECLAIM) collectively would reauthorize,…
Read MoreIn July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The Senate’s version of WRDA, the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA) now awaits a vote. If this important legislation is not voted on and passed by the end of the month, it will have to start the legislative process from the beginning of the 117th Congress, delaying many important projects by a year, or more. Specifically, this legislation would tackle water quality issues, coastal…
Read MoreRecently, the Environmental Protection Administration approved year-round sales of fuel containing 15% ethanol, or E15. This decision could have catastrophic consequences for millions of Americans. Unfortunately, most consumers are unaware that not all fuels available at the pump are safe for their property and potentially could be dangerous to individuals. The bipartisan Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act H.R.1024 would require straightforward labeling at the fuel pumps and a vigorous education campaign to warn consumers of the dangers posed by…
Read MoreAfter decades of trying to clean up the California swordfish fishery, it remains one of the most antiquated fisheries in the country. Unfortunately, time is running out for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Driftnet Modernization & Bycatch Reduction Act. In late July, the U.S. Senate passed their version of the Driftnet Modernization & Bycatch Reduction Act, and now the U.S. House of Representatives has the opportunity to end this wasteful, and outdated fishing practice. Currently, federal waters…
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