In an Oct. 18 meeting, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries discussed three bills to reauthorize a grant, a NOAA office, and partnership program. The House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries met on Oct. 18 and heard testimony on three bills to promote and expand conservation efforts. Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries discussed three bills to reauthorize a grant, a NOAA office, and partnership program.
About the meeting and bills, subcommittee chair Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.,) had this to say: “Today’s hearing, held by the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee of the Committee on Natural Resources, focused on one of Congress’s core responsibilities which is to provide oversight of federal programs and determine whether they are worthy of reauthorization. This hearing focused upon bi-partisan programs that provide a basis for community-led conservation efforts which help protect and improve some of the world’s most iconic species and landscapes. I commend the sponsors of these bills for their work and look forward to helping them continue to encourage and promote community-based conservation.”
The first bill up for discussion was House Resolution 4389, introduced by U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, which would reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act through the 2028 fiscal year, according to the bill summary. The Act helps groups to afford projects that promote conservation of neotropical migratory birds. Oxford Languages says neotropical migratory birds are those that come from Central and South America, not including southern Chile and southern Argentina.
Next was House Resolution 4770, introduces by U.S. Representative John P. Sarbanes, which would reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2023. That bill reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Office of NOAA. The bill allows for grant programs for education and training in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, or for restoration projects in the area.
The final bill up for consideration was House Resolution 5009, which was sponsored by U.S. Rep. David P. Joyce. If approved, the resolution would allow the work of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program to continue. That program gives private landowners technical and financial support in improving wildlife habitat, and administers the Multinational Species Conservation Fund as well.
Video of the hearing is available here: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=414954
