In a 231-190 vote on June 14, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA).
This legislation will dedicate $1.4 billion annually to proactive, locally-led efforts to recover thousands of at-risk wildlife species, while creating jobs and prioritizing the outdoor recreation economy at a time when our country and planet are facing a biodiversity crisis.
Specifically in the Delaware River Watershed, RAWA will help protect thousands of at-risk species including the Red Knot, Piping Plover, American Kestral, and the Broadwinged Hawk that all call the watershed their home. This piece of historic wildlife legislation will support collaborative efforts in every state, territory, and Tribal nation to restore habitat and prevent extinction. State fish and wildlife agencies will be at the helm of working toward restoration efforts.
Here are some more details about RAWA and how they will help wildlife and people (courtesy of our friends the National Wildlife Federation):
The House bill will provide $1.39 billion in dedicated annual funding for proactive, collaborative efforts by the states and tribes to recover wildlife species at risk.
The state agencies have identified 12,000 species of wildlife and plants in need of conservation assistance in their federally-approved State Wildlife Action Plans. These plans would guide spending from the bill.
Tribal Nations would receive $97.5 million annually to fund proactive wildlife conservation efforts on tens of millions of acres of land.
At least 15 percent of the resources would be used to recover species listed as threatened or endangered.
A 2018 report, Reversing America’s Wildlife Crisis: Securing the Future of Our Fish and Wildlife, found that one-third of America’s wildlife species are at increased risk of extinction. More than 150 U.S. species already have gone extinct. Nearly 500 additional species have not been seen in recent decades and are regarded as possibly extinct.
With passage in the House, the bill now awaits consideration in the Senate. CDRW, along with other enviro-groups, are calling upon Majority Leader Schumer, to move S.2372 for a floor vote.
In anticipation, please continue to reach out and urge basin Senators to support RAWA legislation. The following Senate offices in the watershed have co-sponsored the bill:
Senator Casey (PA)
Senator Coons (DE)
We encourage member organizations to thank Senators who have previously expressed their support and emphasize that we’re counting on their YES vote when the time comes.
CDRW would greatly appreciate your help with outreach to the following Senators in the basin who haven’t co-sponsored RAWA yet:
Senator Toomey (PA)
Senator Carper (DE)
Senator Gillibrand (NY)
Senator Schumer (NY)
Senator Booker (NJ)
Senator Menendez (NJ)
These legislators will be critical in the passage of RAWA in the Senate and we hope you’ll join us in asking these offices to support the bill moving forward.
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The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed protects and restores the land and waters in the Delaware River Basin. We amplify the collective power of 170+ member organizations and other stakeholders as we advocate for a healthy and protected watershed with an inclusive, unified voice. The Coalition convenes member and non-member organizations, builds capacity, coordinates communications, and advances policy at the federal and state levels.
Media Contact:
Meagan Schaefer
meagan.schaefer@njaudubon.org
609-330-4883