A bill to create dedicated funds to conserve butterflies in North America, plants in the Pacific Islands, freshwater mussels in the United States, and desert fish in the Southwest United States, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 14, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
This bill establishes four competitive federal grant programs to support conservation of endangered species across North America: butterflies, plants in the Pacific Islands, freshwater mussels, and desert fish in southwestern states. State agencies, tribes, nonprofits, research institutions, and individuals can apply for multiyear grants, but federal agencies can only serve as project partners, not lead applicants. Proposals must demonstrate scientific merit, secure matching funds when feasible, engage local communities and indigenous groups where appropriate, and ensure long-term sustainability, with the Secretary of the Interior reviewing applications within 30 to 180 days depending on the program. The bill includes an annual reporting requirement for the desert fish program, requiring the Secretary to submit detailed financial and conservation outcome reports to Congress each January. These programs provide a coordinated federal framework to direct funding toward species protection efforts across different regions and species types.
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