Environment (Conservation)

in committee · United States · House May 29, 2025

HCONRES 34: Expressing the need for the Senate to provide advice and consent to ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

HCONRES 34 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which the U.S. signed in 1993 but has never formally joined. The resolution states that without ratification, the U.S. lacks voting rights and full influence in global biodiversity decisions affecting national security and economic interests. It notes the U.S. currently operates as an observer (not a party) despite aligning many federal programs with CBD goals. The resolution argues that ratification would restore U.S. leadership in international conservation efforts. This bill does not change U.S. law or create new obligations, as the U.S. is already compliant with the CBD’s requirements under existing domestic law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUrges ratification of UN CBD, an international treaty focused on biodiversity conservation, advancing U.S. participation in global environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 25, 2025

S 704: Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025

This bill establishes a mandatory $150 million funding stream (2025-2029) from the Commodity Credit Corporation to improve public access to conservation lands. It specifically allocates $3 million to encourage public access to wetland reserve easement lands through agreements with states and tribal governments. The program directly affects landowners holding these easements and state/tribal entities managing conservation areas. The key mechanism is using federal funds to incentivize voluntary agreements that make existing wetland conservation areas more accessible to the public.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates $150M to improve public access to conservation lands/wetlands, directly funding environmental conservation through easement agreements with states/tribes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Aug 20, 2026

HR 3276: Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026

The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025 establishes the Urban Bird Treaty Program, which provides grants and technical assistance to local groups - including cities, nonprofits, community organizations, and academic institutions - to protect and restore urban bird habitats. Key provisions include funding for habitat restoration (e.g., removing invasive species and planting native plants), reducing urban bird hazards, and engaging communities in monitoring and education. The program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, authorizes $1 million annually from 2026 to 2032 for projects focused on conserving urban bird populations through collaborative local efforts. It directly affects communities seeking to enhance green spaces and support bird conservation in populated areas.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProvides grants for urban bird habitat restoration, native plantings, and community conservation efforts, directly advancing environmental protection and habitat conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 14, 2026

S 3637: ACE Agriculture Act of 2026

The ACE Agriculture Act of 2026 amends USDA research programs to expand their focus on water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, and resilience against climate impacts like drought and pests. It increases annual funding for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) from $50 million to $100 million (2027-2031) and requires the program to prioritize water conservation, emissions mitigation, and protection from diseases and pests. The bill redesignates a former "Pilot" program as a permanent initiative, clarifies the Director’s role to work directly with the Chief Scientist (without reporting to other USDA program heads), and allows use of unobligated funds for implementation. This primarily affects USDA research operations and agricultural producers adopting new technologies for sustainability and climate adaptation.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill prioritizes emissions mitigation and greenhouse gas reduction through expanded USDA research funding, directly advancing energy policy goals of reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands USDA research focus to water conservation, greenhouse gas reduction, and climate resilience with increased funding for environmental research programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation Tags Agriculture

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 21, 2026

S 3501: Calumet National Heritage Area Act

This bill designates the Calumet region in Indiana and Illinois as a National Heritage Area, formally establishing a framework to preserve and promote its unique industrial, cultural, and natural resources. It specifies the boundaries (covering parts of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Indiana and adjacent Illinois areas) and names the Calumet Heritage Partnership as the local coordinating entity responsible for managing the area. The bill requires the local entity to submit a management plan within three years and sets a 15-year limit on federal funding for the initiative. This designation directly affects residents, tourism, and conservation efforts in the region by creating a structured approach to protect sites like Indiana Dunes National Park and historical industrial landscapes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDesignates Calumet region for preserving natural resources via heritage area framework, aligning with conservation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · United States · Senate Sep 3, 2025

S 2701: Headwaters Protection Act of 2025

This bill expands the federal Water Source Protection Program to include new partners like acequia associations, land-grant mercedes, and entities managing water infrastructure. It requires projects on adjacent land to have express owner consent and prioritizes initiatives protecting water supply, forest health, and climate resilience - such as restoring wetlands or reducing wildfire risks. The program increases annual funding to $30 million (2025-2034) and mandates that projects include nature-based solutions and non-Federal partner contributions. It directly affects communities managing water systems, landowners adjacent to National Forests, and tribal or rural entities with water delivery authority. The bill does not alter land ownership or conflict with existing water laws.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prioritizes wetlands restoration, forest health, and climate resilience; increases $30M funding for water/forest protection initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Dec 9, 2025

S 2270: Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025

S 2270 designates approximately 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, dividing it into eight segments classified as scenic, wild, or recreational. The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to manage the river through cooperative agreements with Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, Sarasota County, and cities like Venice and North Port, while working with the existing Myakka River Management Coordinating Council. It prohibits land acquisition through condemnation and ensures local management authority under Florida law (section 258.501) remains intact. The designation directly affects landowners, local governments, and conservation efforts within the river's watershed, aiming to protect the river's natural and recreational values.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill designates Myakka River as protected under Wild and Scenic Rivers System, conserving natural resources through federal management agreements with state/local entities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House May 5, 2025

HR 3189: Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act of 2025

The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act of 2025 establishes conservation measures for albatrosses and petrels in U.S. waters and lands. It requires the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to protect habitats, manage invasive species threatening these birds, and implement fishing regulations to minimize bycatch in commercial fisheries. The bill creates mechanisms for international cooperation with other countries that are parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. It also establishes procedures for permits and exemptions for certain activities like scientific research while maintaining favorable conservation status for these birds.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates habitat protection, invasive species management, and fishing regulations to minimize bycatch for albatrosses and petrels, directly advancing conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Feb 12, 2025

HR 1261: Land and Water Conservation Fund Water Amendments Act of 2025

This bill amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund program to allow federal funding for state-led water quality projects. It requires states to identify impaired water bodies under federal water law and include proposed restoration projects in their outdoor recreation plans. Funds can now support specific restoration efforts like wetlands, marshes, and living shorelines to improve water quality, but cannot reimburse completed projects or expand federal regulation over waterways. The bill directly affects states developing recreation plans and implementing water quality restoration under existing federal programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates federal funds from Land and Water Conservation Fund for state water quality projects, advancing fiscal management of environmental spending.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds state-led water quality projects including wetlands, marshes, and living shorelines for environmental restoration without expanding federal regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 9, 2025

S 1389: Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act of 2025

This bill updates payment rules for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which helps farmers conserve land and water. It directly affects farmers who enroll in the program, particularly those with water rights or using dryland farming (non-irrigated agriculture). Key changes include: allowing landowners to choose annual payment distribution; setting payment rates equal to irrigated rates for agreements permanently retiring water rights; and creating a new payment rate for dryland uses based on the difference between irrigated and dryland rates. Existing agreements with lower rates will be adjusted retroactively under these new rules. The bill aims to better align payments with conservation outcomes like water savings.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill improves Conservation Reserve Program to conserve land/water, incentivizes retiring water rights, and supports dryland farming conservation - directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Tags Agriculture

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