Overview

Title

To amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make supplemental funds available for management of fish and wildlife species of greatest conservation need as determined by State fish and wildlife agencies, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

H.R. 7408 is like a plan to give more money to help save animals that are in danger and need extra care, and it tries to make sure the money helps special projects without taking away from what is already being done.

Summary AI

H.R. 7408 aims to change the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to allow more funds for managing fish and wildlife that need the most help, as decided by state agencies. It proposes creating a new subaccount for conservation efforts, providing competitive innovation grants, and ensuring the funds supplement, not replace, existing conservation resources. It also involves technical tasks like studies by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and encourages partnerships with private landowners and tribes for habitat restoration and conservation on both public and private lands. Additionally, the bill addresses interactions with the Endangered Species Act to help recover species considered at risk.

Published

2024-12-18
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Reported in House
Date: 2024-12-18
Package ID: BILLS-118hr7408rh

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
20
Words:
13,220
Pages:
68
Sentences:
203

Language

Nouns: 3,844
Verbs: 994
Adjectives: 626
Adverbs: 67
Numbers: 504
Entities: 555

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.23
Average Sentence Length:
65.12
Token Entropy:
5.56
Readability (ARI):
34.36

AnalysisAI

The bill in question seeks to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to provide supplemental funding for managing fish and wildlife species identified by state agencies as needing conservation. The primary goal is to enhance the capabilities of state, territorial, and tribal wildlife bodies in conserving threatened or endangered species and in preventing the need for new listings under the Endangered Species Act.

General Summary

The proposed act, named the "America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act," introduces various titles aimed at broadening wildlife conservation efforts across different lands. These include the establishment of a new subaccount for funding conservation programs, technical amendments to existing wildlife acts, and added flexibility in wildlife management through partnerships with state and tribal entities. The bill outlines a series of financial provisions, including grants and matching fund requirements, and puts in place specific conditions on how funds can be used, prohibiting certain practices like rewilding unless explicitly supported. Furthermore, it includes amendments to the Endangered Species Act, revising how protective regulations for species are managed, especially concerning land-use impacts.

Significant Issues

One of the bill’s challenges is the broad definition of pivotal terms like "rewilding" and "authorized restoration services." These definitions could lead to varied interpretations and implementations across states or entities involved in conservation efforts. The requirement that a minimum of 15% of funding be allocated specifically for the recovery of endangered species might narrow the scope of broader conservation initiatives that require diverse approaches.

Moreover, the exemption from reinitiating consultation under the Endangered Species Act when new species are listed or new information is revealed is controversial. This could potentially leave out essential considerations for the environment and the species if oversight is reduced.

The rescinding of funds allocated under the Inflation Reduction Act may also draw criticism, as it involves taking back unused funds from initiatives that might have significant environmental and economic implications.

Potential Impacts on the Public and Stakeholders

From a public perspective, the bill aims to enhance wildlife conservation, promising healthier ecosystems and potentially more abundant wildlife populations. This could benefit recreational activities like hunting, fishing, and nature observation, which support local economies through tourism and outdoor recreation industries.

Specific stakeholders, like state and tribal wildlife agencies, stand to benefit from increased funding and technical assistance, providing them with more resources to manage habitats effectively. However, the stringent conditions on accessing these funds could place a burden on these agencies, especially if they struggle to meet the matching fund requirements or are restricted by prohibitions on certain practices like rewilding.

Conversely, the bill might restrict private landowners’ abilities to manage their lands if these are designated as critical habitats. Although protections through management plans may alleviate some concerns, there could be contentious debates about land use and regulatory reach.

Environmental advocates might express concern over reduced regulatory oversight highlighted in some sections, fearing insufficient protection for endangered species and habitats without rigorous federal checks.

Overall, while the bill could reinforce positive outcomes for wildlife conservation, the detailed execution and enforcement provisions need careful consideration to ensure that they do not inadvertently hinder the very goals they aim to achieve. The true impact will heavily depend on the clear understanding and equitable implementation of its complex measures across all jurisdictions involved.

Financial Assessment

Summary of Financial Allocations

The bill, H.R. 7408, proposes significant financial provisions to enhance wildlife conservation efforts. It aims to allocate not more than $300,000,000 annually to a newly established "Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Restoration Subaccount" for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. Additionally, $20,000,000 is authorized for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2029 for the "Tribal Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account." These allocated funds target species of the greatest conservation need and are intended to supplement existing resources, not replace them.

Connection to Issues

The financial allocations in the bill highlight several issues related to wildlife conservation and management practices. There's a particular emphasis on using funds for specific activities that balance species recovery while considering land use and management strategies.

  1. Restriction on Flexibility: One concern is the definition of "rewilding" in Section 101, which prohibits human management activities. This restriction could influence how the allocated funds are used, potentially limiting innovative or adaptive conservation approaches.

  2. Minimum Spending Requirement: The bill mandates that a minimum of 15% of the funds be directed to recover endangered species. This stipulation, while highlighting the importance of prioritizing at-risk species, could restrict the broader application of funds across various conservation projects.

  3. Exemption from Additional Consultation: Section 501 outlines an exemption from additional consultations for federal land management, which may alter how funds are used without adequate environmental oversight. There is a risk that this could lead to unintended ecological consequences that were not considered during the funding allocation.

  4. Rescission of Funds from the Inflation Reduction Act: The bill states that any unobligated funds from certain sections of the Inflation Reduction Act are rescinded, amounting to $700,000,000 from the funds appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This rescission may significantly impact broader conservation efforts or projects initially supported by these funds, potentially stalling initiatives in progress.

  5. Ambiguities in the GAO Study Scope: While the bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study, it lacks explicit scope or objectives, which might create delays or inefficiencies in the evaluation of how effectively funds have been used.

Concluding Remarks

Financial allocations in H.R. 7408 are substantial and aim to provide robust support for wildlife conservation. However, the specific conditions and potential limitations imposed on these funds could shape their effectiveness and the overall impact on conservation efforts. The interplay between funding and regulatory provisions requires careful attention to optimize outcomes for both wildlife and habitat management.

Issues

  • The definition of 'rewilding' in Section 101 may prohibit human management activities, potentially limiting flexibility in conservation approaches and raising concerns about the balance between natural processes and human intervention in habitat restoration.

  • The minimum 15% spending requirement for endangered species recovery in Section 101 might restrict broader conservation efforts, potentially impacting the allocation of funds for a wider range of conservation initiatives.

  • Section 402 prohibits the designation of privately owned or controlled land as critical habitat if such land is subject to a plan deemed similar to an integrated natural resources management plan, which could limit critical habitat protection opportunities and raise legal challenges regarding species conservation.

  • The exemption from additional consultation under the Endangered Species Act highlighted in Section 501 could reduce oversight on federal land management plans, potentially leading to ecological impacts not adequately considered.

  • The rescission of unobligated covered funds stated in Section 701, specifically from the Inflation Reduction Act, may impact the financial resources available for broader conservation efforts or other initiatives originally funded by these appropriations.

  • Section 3 requiring a GAO study lacks detailed scope or objectives, potentially leading to ambiguities in its evaluation effectiveness and a delay in assessing the law's effectiveness due to the broad timeframe.

  • The broad definition and potential for misinterpretation of terms in Section 301, such as 'authorized restoration services' and 'forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services', could lead to varied implementations or misuse of funds for non-essential activities.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text outlines the structure of the "America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act," including its short title and table of contents. This act is divided into seven sections, each focusing on different aspects of wildlife conservation, management of wildlife refuges, tribal wildlife conservation, private land conservation incentives, forest information reform, recovery of listed species, and the rescission and repeal of certain programs.

2. Statement of purpose Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The purpose of this Act is to provide financial and technical support to various regions and tribes for restoring habitats. This effort aims to help recover species classified as threatened or endangered and to prevent other species from becoming listed as endangered under relevant laws.

3. GAO study Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Comptroller General of the United States is required to conduct a study within five years of the Act's enactment to evaluate how well States, territories, the District of Columbia, and Indian Tribes are meeting the goals set out in section 2.

101. Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines amendments to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, establishing a Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Restoration Subaccount. This subaccount is designed to support a range of conservation activities, including habitat restoration for endangered species, and dictates how funds are allocated, used, and reported, with specific guidelines for spending, innovation grants, and accountability measures.

Money References

  • “(C) DEPOSITS INTO SUBACCOUNT.—Subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purposes, the Secretary shall allocate not more than $300,000,000 to the Subaccount for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.

102. Technical amendments Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text outlines amendments to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, including changes in definitions and terms used, such as replacing "Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account" with "Subaccount" and defining "species of greatest conservation need" as those facing population decline or threats, requiring conservation efforts. Additionally, it specifies updates and insertions related to Indian Tribes and wildlife conservation organizations.

103. Savings clause Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Savings clause section of the amendment to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act clarifies that it does not change the state's authority over wildlife management, prevents federal funds from being used for removing or altering federally owned dams in a way that impacts storage, and bars the federal government from accepting land transfers purchased with funds from this Act. Additionally, it defines "territory" and states that if there is a conflict with Alaska-specific laws, the latter will prevail.

14. Savings clause Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that the Act does not change state or local authority over fish and wildlife management, prohibits using funds from the Act for removing or modifying federally owned dams in a way that reduces capacity, and prevents the federal government from accepting certain land transfers if the land was bought with funds from the Act. It also specifies the meaning of "territory" within the context of the section.

15. Statutory construction with respect to Alaska Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

If there is any conflict between this Act and either the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the provisions of the latter two Acts will take precedence.

201. Indian Tribes Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes the Tribal Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account to fund wildlife conservation projects by Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations from 2025 to 2029. It details how the funds can be used, prohibits certain activities, such as rewilding, and requires reports on project effectiveness, all while ensuring that the funds are not dependent on public access to Tribal lands.

Money References

  • (3) DEPOSITS INTO ACCOUNT.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Account $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
  • (f) Matching requirement.—With respect to any grant issued under subsection (c) that exceeds $100,000

301. Definitions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section provides definitions for various terms related to recreation and restoration services on lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or Indian Tribes, including what constitutes authorized services, the meaning of a good neighbor agreement, and roles of different officials like Governors and county executives. It specifies what activities are included in forest, rangeland, and watershed restoration services and outlines exclusions such as construction of public buildings or certain roadworks.

302. Good neighbor authority for United States Fish and Wildlife Service Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the "Good Neighbor Authority" which allows the Secretary to make agreements with Governors, Indian Tribes, or counties to carry out restoration or recreation activities on federal lands. It specifies rules for managing funds from timber sales, prohibits charging certain fees on National Wildlife Refuge lands, and maintains decision-making responsibilities under environmental law. Certain lands like wilderness areas are excluded from this section.

303. Stewardship end result contracting projects Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines that the Secretary can make agreements or contracts for forest and land restoration projects, which may involve the sale of timber and forest products, and use their value to offset costs. The section also addresses how funds and resources are managed, establishes the need for performance and payment guarantees, allows funds to be obligated in stages, and requires a process to monitor and evaluate these projects.

304. Technical amendments Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text outlines amendments to the Agricultural Act of 2014, enhancing the Good Neighbor Authority. The changes allow Indian tribes to participate alongside governors in timber sales and restoration projects. It also extends the timeline for using funds from these projects to 2029 and applies the changes to projects started before or after this law's enactment, if they began after 2018.

401. Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section adds provisions to the Endangered Species Act allowing parties to create voluntary agreements with the government to protect species at risk of becoming endangered. These agreements provide certain assurances that if a species being protected under the agreement is later listed as endangered, the parties won't face additional conservation requirements beyond what they initially agreed to undertake.

402. Designation of critical habitat Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Endangered Species Act to prevent the designation of privately owned or controlled land as critical habitat if the land has a management plan similar to a specific type of natural resource management plan and involves cooperation with relevant state agencies. The plan must likely conserve the species, either increasing its population or maintaining it at levels comparable to if the land were designated as critical habitat, and aim to minimize harm from activities that could unintentionally harm the species.

403. Availability of certain information Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that information about the location of certain fish, wildlife, or plants generally can't be shared with the public, except if the Secretary allows it on federal land or shares it with specific entities like government agencies, educational institutions, or landowners who follow certain procedures and get permission from landowners to maintain confidentiality.

501. No additional consultation required Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text specifies that the Secretary does not need to start a new consultation under the Endangered Species Act for land management or land use plans just because a new species is listed or critical habitat is designated, or if new information shows effects on such species or habitats not considered before. This applies to both Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management plans.

601. Protective regulations under Endangered Species Act of 1973 Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The text amends the Endangered Species Act by changing how protective regulations are made for threatened species. It gives the Secretary the power to establish recovery goals and lets states help manage recovery efforts if they meet these goals. States can propose their own recovery strategies, and if approved, these will guide regulations within those states. If a strategy is ineffective, it can be revised.

701. Rescission of funds Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that any leftover "covered funds" will be taken back. These funds include money from specific sections of a law called the Inflation Reduction Act and a portion of money given to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Money References

  • (b) Covered funds defined.—In this section, the term “covered funds” means— (1) any funds appropriated or otherwise made available by sections 40002, 50224, 50232, 60401, and 60402 of Public Law 117–169 (commonly known as the “Inflation Reduction Act”); and (2) $700,000,000 of the $2,600,000,000 appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in section 40001 of Public Law 117–169 (commonly known as the “Inflation Reduction Act”). ---

702. Repeal of certain programs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section repeals certain parts of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, specifically sections 507, 508, and 510. These sections are related to specific notes under U.S. Code Title 16 concerning wildlife conservation.