Washington, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03) introduced H.R. 9135, the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act, in the House of Representatives.
This bill will ensure we continue providing robust conservation for migratory birds in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. A companion bill was introduced by Senators Ben Cardin (MD) and Rob Portman (OH).
“Birds are a vital part of our South Florida ecosystem and must be actively protected,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “Neotropical birds that span the Americas are not only unique but are critical to pollinating many plant species in our forests and wetlands.”
"Given the threat of habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species, we must do everything we can to support and protect migratory birds for the next generation of Americans. The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act would invest in wildlife and habitat conservation efforts, bolster our outdoor economy, and protect our environmental heritage all while addressing the urgent conservation needs for these species” said Rep. Ron Kind.
“Migratory birds transcend national borders, which is why we need a hemispheric approach to conservation,” said Marshall Johnson, chief conservation officer at the National Audubon Society. “Three billion birds have been lost since 1970, and the same factors that threaten them also threaten our own communities. This bill will help provide the investments we need to protect the places that both birds and people need to survive.”
“Migratory birds provide tremendous value to millions of Americans, and make a significant contribution to the economy,” said Jennifer Cipolletti, American Bird Conservancy’s Director of Conservation Advocacy. “What’s better for birds is better for people and this bill will help meet the needs and demands of effective conservation projects. Birds don’t know borders, so making the program more accessible to partner organizations across Latin America and the Caribbean will help begin to reverse the loss of nearly 3 billion birds.”
The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act provides competitive grants for habitat conservation, research and monitoring, and community outreach and education. The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2022 reauthorizes this program for the next 5 years and authorizes increased funding each year. This bill will fund more projects and provide greater positive impacts to migratory birds.
It is crucial that we safeguard our wildlife and the environment, and the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act will help ensure these migratory birds are conserved for generations to come.
Background:
Since 1970, the North American bird population has declined by 3 billion birds, and federal efforts are instrumental in protecting and conserving these species. Today, consumer spending on birdwatching generates nearly $100 billion in economic output in the U.S. By making these increased investments, we can conserve more birds migrating from thousands of miles away and help ensure they have the necessary habitat for their migrations.
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