General Summary of the Bill

The Urban Bird Treaty Act of 2024, identified as H. R. 9964, is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing the Urban Bird Treaty Program under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, specifically through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This program is focused on the voluntary conservation of birds and their habitats in urban environments. It seeks to work with various entities to restore and enhance urban bird habitats, reduce hazards to birds, and engage local communities in scientific and educational activities concerning bird conservation. The bill includes a grant program to support relevant projects, with a proposed annual budget of $1,000,000 from 2025 to 2031, adjusted annually for inflation.

Summary of Significant Issues

Several issues arise with this bill. Firstly, the definitions of "covered entity" and "eligible entity" are similar, which might lead to confusion regarding their distinct roles and responsibilities within the program. Secondly, the process by which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is selected to administer the grant program is not clearly defined, potentially impacting transparency and fairness. Thirdly, the bill exempts certain provisions from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, potentially reducing oversight and accountability concerning the use of funds. Furthermore, the bill lacks specified performance measures or success criteria to assess the program's effectiveness. Lastly, while funding adjustments for inflation are included, there is no cap or review mechanism, which could lead to unchecked future increases in funding.

Impact on the Public

The Urban Bird Treaty Program, as outlined in the bill, is designed to benefit urban populations by enhancing the natural environment and biodiversity in cities. By improving urban bird habitats, the program could contribute to ecological health, promote biodiversity, and provide educational and engagement opportunities for urban communities, enhancing their connection to nature. Improved bird habitats might also increase the aesthetic and recreational value of urban parks and green spaces, potentially improving residents' quality of life.

Potential Impact on Stakeholders

Positive Impacts:

• Urban Communities: Residents in urban areas could benefit from enhanced green spaces, increased biodiversity, and educational opportunities relating to bird conservation. Such initiatives might foster greater awareness and involvement in local environmental issues.

• Conservation Organizations: Nonprofit organizations focused on environmental and wildlife conservation could gain access to new funding streams to support their projects and expand their impact in urban areas.

• Academic Institutions: Universities and research institutions might see new opportunities for research, community engagement, and partnerships, potentially leading to innovations in urban conservation strategies.

Negative Impacts:

• Government Accountability: The exemption from section 10(a) of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act may lead to decreased oversight, potentially raising concerns about transparency and accountability in program administration.

• Potential Confusion in Administration: The similarities in definitions of "covered entity" and "eligible entity" could complicate the grant processes and collaboration efforts, hindering efficient implementation of the program.

This bill, with its focus on urban bird conservation and community engagement, holds the promise of enhancing urban environments if effectively implemented and managed. However, careful attention to its outlined issues will be necessary to ensure transparent, efficient, and effective execution.

The Urban Bird Treaty Act of 2024, referenced as H.R. 9964, introduces the Urban Bird Treaty Program (the "Program"), which aims to conserve birds and their habitats within urban settings. Integral to the Program's functioning is the financial appropriation and allocation outlined in the bill, designed to support the initiative's various objectives.

Financial Appropriations

The bill authorizes a financial allocation of $1,000,000 annually for the fiscal years 2025 through 2031 to carry out the duties of the Program. This budget is intended to be adjustable for inflation, ensuring that the funding keeps pace with economic changes over time. This adjustment begins in fiscal year 2026 and continues annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Grant Program and Administration

Apart from direct allocations, the bill also mandates the establishment of a competitive grant program. This grant program is designed to award funds to "eligible entities," which include Tribal, State, or municipal agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and academic institutions. The grants support a wide array of activities such as research, planning, habitat management, and collaboration that align with urban bird conservation efforts.

However, there are certain issues related to financial references that warrant attention:

1. Potential Overlap and Confusion: There is a potential administrative complication due to the similar definitions between “covered entity” and “eligible entity." Both types of entities can participate in the Program, but the distinctions between their roles in terms of receiving funding or participating in partnerships are not clear, which might complicate the distribution and oversight of the financial resources dedicated to this initiative.

2. Partnership Transparency: The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to partner with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to administer the grant program. However, there is no detailed outline for a competitive selection process for this partnership, potentially limiting transparency and fairness in how these funds, totaling up to $1,000,000 annually, are managed and distributed.

3. Oversight and Accountability: The exemption from section 10(a) of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act reduces formal oversight and accountability with regards to the use of the allocated funds. Such exemptions might lead to less stringent checks on how effectively the money is used, which could be seen as problematic given the significance of the public funds involved.

4. Lack of Performance Metrics: The absence of clear performance measures or success metrics for the Program further complicates the assessment of the financial allocations' impact. Without specific indicators of success, it may be difficult to measure the effectiveness of the spending or determine if the funds are being used efficiently.

5. Potential for Unchecked Funding Increases: Finally, while the bill provides for adjustment of appropriations in line with inflation, it does not include a cap or a mechanism for periodic review of these financial allocations. This may result in unchecked increases in funding over time, presenting potential challenges in fiscal oversight and management.

Overall, the bill outlines significant financial resources aimed at enhancing urban bird conservation efforts. However, ensuring effective management and oversight of these funds will be crucial to achieving the objectives of the Urban Bird Treaty Program.