Salazar Introduces Legislation to Protect Migratory Birds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Dave Joyce (R-OH) , and Mary Peltola (D-AK) introduced the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act of 2023 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.
“South Florida’s birds are a vital and necessary part of our ecosystem,” said Rep. Salazar. “Neotropical birds that span the Americas are not only unique but are critical to pollinating many plant species in our forests and wetlands, including the Everglades. This legislation ensures those birds are protected.”
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 2023 reauthorizes this program for the next 5 years and authorizes increased funding each year. This bill will fund more projects that have a greater positive impact on migratory birds.
These birds include many iconic American songbirds and blackbirds, including the Baltimore oriole, peregrine falcon, cerulean warbler, and reddish egret.
“Pesticide pollution, deforestation and invasive species threaten the more than 350 migratory bird species that rely on the Pacific Northwest as their flyaway,” said Rep. Larsen. “This bipartisan bill will help protect these diverse bird populations and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest and across the Western Hemisphere.”
“Ohio is a haven for bird watchers, especially along Lake Erie. Birdwatching in Ohio attracts more than 120,000 visitors each year and contributes more than $20 million to local economies,” said Rep. Joyce, Co-Chair of the International Conservation Caucus. “Reauthorizing the successful Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act program will continue to conserve bird habitats and support healthy bird populations, which are critical to our outdoor recreation economy.”
"Alaska's migratory birds are an important part of our state's beauty and biodiversity," said Rep. Peltola. "Don Young knew this when he sponsored the original Neotropical Migratory Bird Habitat Enhancement Act in 1998, and this bill will continue his legacy of protecting Alaskan wildlife by reauthorizing this unique program. I'm proud to support this bipartisan effort to protect a diverse set of bird species and the critical roles they play in our ecosystem."
“With migratory birds in need of greater conservation efforts, we greatly appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Salazar, Larsen, Joyce, and Peltola,” said Steve Holmer of American Bird Conservancy. “The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation is essential for conserving migratory birds on their wintering grounds where most migratory bird species spend the majority of the year. By increasing NMBCA funding, opening the door to greater participation from partner groups, and allowing larger projects, the program can be much more effective at meeting bird conservation needs.”
“We have lost three billion birds in North America alone since 1970, and to stem the tide of further devastating losses of migratory birds, we need to invest in protecting their habitats across the Western Hemisphere,” said Felice Stadler, vice president of government affairs, National Audubon Society. “The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act is a straightforward and cost-effective way for the United States to build partnerships throughout the hemisphere to protect birds wherever they fly. We are excited to see bipartisan support for enhancing this important program and look forward to working to advance this legislation.”
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, many of which move through South Florida, are conserved for generations to come.
Read the full text of the bill here.
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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