Lafayette Reporter

The United States Senate has passed the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), a bill sponsored by Senators John Kennedy and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). This legislation, which is part of the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024, seeks to reauthorize $65 million in annual funding for a period of five years with the aim of protecting America's wetlands.

"Renewing the North American Wetlands Conservation Act is critical to preserving Louisiana’s outdoorsman culture, unique wildlife and natural environment. The House should move quickly to send this important bill to the president’s desk," stated Senator Kennedy.

Senator Heinrich added, "Our bipartisan legislation will bolster our nation’s most successful public-private conservation partnership, and I'm thrilled that it has now passed the Senate. Our legislation will improve access to clean drinking water, invest in our thriving multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation economy, and conserve New Mexico’s wildlife and the habitats they depend on for future generations. The House should take up this important legislation and send it to President Biden’s desk."

The bill received bipartisan support with cosponsorship from Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

Congress first enacted NAWCA in 1989 as a means of providing federal cost-share funding for projects aimed at conserving North America's waterfowl, fish, and wildlife resources. NAWCA funding supports activities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography across all states. It also generates an average of two additional dollars for every federal dollar. Over the program's history, federal grants totaling more than $2.1 billion have spurred $4.3 billion for NAWCA projects through matching and non-matching funds. Furthermore, NAWCA funding supports an average of 7,500 jobs each year and contributes to over $5 billion in annual economic activity.

The full text of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act can be accessed here.