The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations convened a hearing to assess the impact of wildlife trafficking and related environmental crimes on U.S. national, resource, and economic security. Subcommittee Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) addressed the significance of these issues.
“International conservation is a national security issue, as cartels, terrorist organizations, and hostile foreign actors exploit wildlife trafficking and environmental crime to fund violence, drugs, and war. These so-called ‘low risk, high reward’ crimes are fueling the fentanyl epidemic, undermining U.S. businesses, and strengthening America’s adversaries across the globe. We must close enforcement gaps, protect American markets and resources, and ensure U.S. leadership confronts these criminal networks head-on,” Gosar stated.
Environmental crimes such as wildlife trafficking, illegal fishing that is unreported or unregulated (IUU), and illegal logging have become major global criminal enterprises generating billions of dollars each year. These activities are considered less risky than drug smuggling or human trafficking but offer significant financial rewards for transnational criminal organizations and terrorist groups seeking new sources of income.
Such illicit activities disrupt global markets by putting law-abiding American producers at a disadvantage. They also threaten ecosystems, fisheries, and forests that support jobs in legal wildlife trade both within the United States and internationally.
The United States is recognized for having some of the most sustainable producers worldwide in sectors like wildlife, seafood, and timber. The country has also maintained a longstanding commitment to fighting wildlife traffickers. Federal agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Customs and Border Protection work alongside state, local, and international partners to enforce laws that protect U.S. interests.
For more information about this hearing or related topics, additional details can be found on the House Natural Resources Committee website.
