Bipartisan Wetlands Conservation Reauthorization Vital for People, Wildlife, Water

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congress should swiftly reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which has helped conserve and restore millions of acres of wetlands and vital wildlife habitat for more than three decades. The bipartisan authorization, introduced by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Kennedy (R-La.), would invest $65 million per year in restoring landscapes essential for migratory birds, drinking water, hunting and fishing, and communities throughout the country.

"North America's wetlands demonstrate what is possible for people, wildlife, and clean water when we make strategic, concerted investments in conserving and restoring vital habitat," said Andrew Wilkins, director of land conservation policy for the National Wildlife Federation. "This reauthorization bill will help keep our commitment to wetlands conservation strong and ensure that the people and wildlife whose work, water and way of life can endure for future generations. Congress should ensure the North American Wetlands Conservation Act remains one of America's most successful conservation programs since it first passed in 1989. "