Washington D.C. – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) for advancing the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024, S 3791, with a favorable report. The bill, which will ensure continuation of some of the nation’s most successful conservation programs including the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, was advanced through EPW this week via voice vote.

“We thank Chairman Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Capito (R-WV) for their leadership to ensure this bipartisan legislation moved with unanimous support,” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association. “The programs reauthorized in this bill are essential for responsible stewardship of our natural resources, and we urge swift, unanimous passage of the legislation through the full Senate.”

Guided by the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, NFHP’s 19 regional partnerships work to conserve, restore and enhance the nation's fish and aquatic communities by designing and implementing fish habitat conservation projects.

“We would like to thank the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee for the expedient mark-up of the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act during their business meeting,” said Robert Boyles, Chair of the National Fish Habitat Partnership and Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “We are grateful for the strong support for the National Fish Habitat Partnership program and look forward to continuing our critical restoration and conservation work across the country.”

The bill also includes measures to combat Chronic Wasting Disease and reauthorizes funding for livestock depredation compensation and prevention, as well as the Chesapeake Bay program.

The Association extends its deepest gratitude to the members who cosponsored this legislation: Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE), Sen. Capito (R- WV). Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Sen. Padilla (D- CA) Sen. Mullin (R- OK), Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD), Sen. Wicker (R-MS), Sen. Whitehouse (D-RI), and Sen. Cassidy (R-LA).