Thursday, May 28, 2009
Energy and Commerce panel passes cap-and-trade bill, 33-25
The House Energy Commerce Committee voted 33-25 on May 21, 2009 to pass sweeping legislation that would overhaul U.S. energy and global warming policy. Democrats largely held together in support of the 946-page bill shaped over several months of closed-door negotiations and nearly 40 hours of debate this week. Only one Republican supported the bill, as GOP opponents unified against the measure, insisting it was a costly and unattainable measure to be pushing in a tight economy.
$61 Million in State Wildlife Grants Will Help State Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conserve Species and Habitats at Greatest Risk of Becoming Endangered
More than $61 million will be distributed to the fish and wildlife agencies of the 50states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories to help conserve and recover imperiled fish and wildlife species through the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Competitive Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced yesterday.
The State Wildlife Grants Program provides federal dollars to every state and territory to support the development and implementation of their unique State Wildlife Action Plans, which assess the health of each state’s wildlife and habitats, identify the problems they face and outline the actions needed to conserve them over the long term to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.
“The State Wildlife Grant program exemplifies the Department of the Interior’s strong support for conservation efforts by the states,” said Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. “Along with President Obama’s commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the State Wildlife Grants will provide states critical funding to help conserve their highest priority wildlife, plants and habitat.”
“State and territorial fish and wildlife agencies have a long history of success in conserving game species, thanks to the support of hunter and angler license fees and federal excise taxes; but 90 percent of our nation’s wildlife—tens of thousands of species—is neither hunted nor fished,” said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “State Wildlife Grants help to partially fill the gap in conservation funding by supporting projects that prevent all wildlife from declining to the point of being endangered.”
Projects supported by State Wildlife Grants protect and restore important lands and waters; collect information on what kinds of wildlife are in trouble; and facilitate partnerships with landowners to protect declining species and habitats on public and private lands. Priority for use of grant funds is placed on those species and habitats with the greatest conservation need.
“By emphasizing a proactive approach, the State Wildlife Grants Program supports states and territories in their efforts to conserve wildlife and habitats before they become more rare, risky and costly to protect,” said Mark Humpert, Teaming With Wildlife Director at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The 6,000-member Teaming With Wildlife coalition, made up of organizations and businesses, strongly supports increased State Wildlife Grant funding for wildlife conservation, education and nature-based recreation.
Congress created the State Wildlife Grants Program in FY2002, funded from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Funds appropriated under the program are allocated to each state and other eligible jurisdictions according to a formula based on land area and population. Since the program’s inception, Congress has distributed more than $500 million for conservation work on state and private lands.
For more information about State Wildlife Action Plans and to read an accomplishments report, visit www.wildlifeactionplans.org.
To view the State Wildlife Grant allocations for each state, go to http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SWG/SWG09Apportionment.pdf.
The State Wildlife Grants Program provides federal dollars to every state and territory to support the development and implementation of their unique State Wildlife Action Plans, which assess the health of each state’s wildlife and habitats, identify the problems they face and outline the actions needed to conserve them over the long term to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered.
“The State Wildlife Grant program exemplifies the Department of the Interior’s strong support for conservation efforts by the states,” said Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. “Along with President Obama’s commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the State Wildlife Grants will provide states critical funding to help conserve their highest priority wildlife, plants and habitat.”
“State and territorial fish and wildlife agencies have a long history of success in conserving game species, thanks to the support of hunter and angler license fees and federal excise taxes; but 90 percent of our nation’s wildlife—tens of thousands of species—is neither hunted nor fished,” said Matt Hogan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “State Wildlife Grants help to partially fill the gap in conservation funding by supporting projects that prevent all wildlife from declining to the point of being endangered.”
Projects supported by State Wildlife Grants protect and restore important lands and waters; collect information on what kinds of wildlife are in trouble; and facilitate partnerships with landowners to protect declining species and habitats on public and private lands. Priority for use of grant funds is placed on those species and habitats with the greatest conservation need.
“By emphasizing a proactive approach, the State Wildlife Grants Program supports states and territories in their efforts to conserve wildlife and habitats before they become more rare, risky and costly to protect,” said Mark Humpert, Teaming With Wildlife Director at the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The 6,000-member Teaming With Wildlife coalition, made up of organizations and businesses, strongly supports increased State Wildlife Grant funding for wildlife conservation, education and nature-based recreation.
Congress created the State Wildlife Grants Program in FY2002, funded from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Funds appropriated under the program are allocated to each state and other eligible jurisdictions according to a formula based on land area and population. Since the program’s inception, Congress has distributed more than $500 million for conservation work on state and private lands.
For more information about State Wildlife Action Plans and to read an accomplishments report, visit www.wildlifeactionplans.org.
To view the State Wildlife Grant allocations for each state, go to http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SWG/SWG09Apportionment.pdf.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill-WE'RE IN IT!
Funding for wildlife adaptation is included in the Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill. This bill will be considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee next week. NRE adaptation would receive 1% of the allocation to start and reach 4% by 2027. This is great news as it was not looking very promising for us as late as yesterday afternoon.
The Waxman-Markey bill is the CC bill that will be considered by the full House possibly as early as June if it advances from the E&C committee. Although there will probably not be any Republican supporters, it appears there are enough Democrats to move the bill to the full House. Markup in Committee is expected to take several days, perhaps all week because Republicans are threatening to offer more than 200 amendments.
A little perspective; securing this allocation for wildlife was the culmination of 3-4 years of hard work by a coalition that included Gary Taylor and others from AFWA, NWF, DOW, TNC, DU, TU, TRCP, TPL, Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Earth Justice and others. Although we did not get 5% of the allocation as we had advocated, we should feel fortunate in getting something in a very difficult negotiating climate. The full text of the bill is expected to be 1,000 pages so I thought I would spare you that for the time being.
Assuming this bill gets through the E&C committee next week (and it’s likely it will) and assuming the bill makes it to the floor of the House and passes (odds look good) then we will still need action in the Senate (less certain there, needs 60 votes to advance). There are still some major hurdles to overcome, but this is a major milestone in our efforts to secure dedicated funding.
Here is the part that is relevant to F&W agencies:
Domestic Adaptation: From 2012 through 2021, 2% of allowances will be allocated for domestic adaptation purposes. The amount of allowances allocated for domestic adaptation will increase to 4% from 2022 through 2026 and to 8% in 2027 and thereafter. Half of these allowances will be used for wildlife and natural resource protection and half for other domestic adaptation purposes, including public health. Note: No further appropriation will be required.
The Waxman-Markey bill is the CC bill that will be considered by the full House possibly as early as June if it advances from the E&C committee. Although there will probably not be any Republican supporters, it appears there are enough Democrats to move the bill to the full House. Markup in Committee is expected to take several days, perhaps all week because Republicans are threatening to offer more than 200 amendments.
A little perspective; securing this allocation for wildlife was the culmination of 3-4 years of hard work by a coalition that included Gary Taylor and others from AFWA, NWF, DOW, TNC, DU, TU, TRCP, TPL, Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Earth Justice and others. Although we did not get 5% of the allocation as we had advocated, we should feel fortunate in getting something in a very difficult negotiating climate. The full text of the bill is expected to be 1,000 pages so I thought I would spare you that for the time being.
Assuming this bill gets through the E&C committee next week (and it’s likely it will) and assuming the bill makes it to the floor of the House and passes (odds look good) then we will still need action in the Senate (less certain there, needs 60 votes to advance). There are still some major hurdles to overcome, but this is a major milestone in our efforts to secure dedicated funding.
Here is the part that is relevant to F&W agencies:
Domestic Adaptation: From 2012 through 2021, 2% of allowances will be allocated for domestic adaptation purposes. The amount of allowances allocated for domestic adaptation will increase to 4% from 2022 through 2026 and to 8% in 2027 and thereafter. Half of these allowances will be used for wildlife and natural resource protection and half for other domestic adaptation purposes, including public health. Note: No further appropriation will be required.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Teaming with Wildlife Act (S655) Gained New Co-Sponsors
Update 5/8/09
The Teaming With Wildlife Act (S655), sponsored by Senator Tim Johnson (SD) recently added Senator Klobuchar (MN) and Senator Merkley (OR) as co-sponsors. The Teaming With Wildlfie Act would provide state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners with $350 million from 2012 to 2016 to implement State Wildlife Action Plans which are designed to prevent future endangered species listings. If you would like to help, contact the Senator in your state and ask them to consider co-sponsoring.
Co-sponsors of TWW Act (S655)
Sen Klobuchar, Amy
Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR]
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
Sen Tester, Jon [MT]
Sen Thune, John [SD
The Teaming With Wildlife Act (S655), sponsored by Senator Tim Johnson (SD) recently added Senator Klobuchar (MN) and Senator Merkley (OR) as co-sponsors. The Teaming With Wildlfie Act would provide state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners with $350 million from 2012 to 2016 to implement State Wildlife Action Plans which are designed to prevent future endangered species listings. If you would like to help, contact the Senator in your state and ask them to consider co-sponsoring.
Co-sponsors of TWW Act (S655)
Sen Klobuchar, Amy
Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR]
Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI]
Sen Tester, Jon [MT]
Sen Thune, John [SD
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Great News for SWG in President Budget
The President just released his detailed budget and we have great news to share. The president has requested an additional $40 million in budget authority for State Wildlife Grants in FY10. The increased funding is proposed for incorporating strategies to address the impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife into State Wildlife Action Plans. The new funds will also support fish and wildlife climate change related adaptation actions included in the state plans”. I’m headed to a budget briefing at Interior shortly, but wanted to get this out to you as soon as possible. The full budget appendix is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Appendix
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Capital Journal-Senator Tim Johnson
April 23, 2009
Families need wildlife legislation
U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson
Engrained in all South Dakotans is a deep appreciation for our sportsman tradition.
Nearly all of us have spent time hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors at one of the many recreational sites our state is blessed with. This way of life is an important part of who we are.
As a father, I am proud to have passed down these traditions to my own children, and want to make sure that families can do the same for years to come. That’s why I have introduced the Teaming with Wildlife Act to help ensure we can pass on our South Dakota way of life to future generations.
If signed into law, this bill would create a first of its kind program with a dedicated funding source to help all states protect game and nongame fish and wildlife habitat while also funding recreation programs.
By directing a small portion of the royalties collected from onshore and offshore public land oil and gas production, we have a chance to fund practical conservation initiatives.
To ensure these funds are wisely spent, the legislation requires the funds be used to assist the implementation of each state’s comprehensive wildlife restoration plan. Throughout the past decade, every state has formed a Wildlife Action Plan to spell out the species in the greatest need of conservation. Together with a broad array of partners, state fish and wildlife agencies take a hard look at area wildlife and what steps need to be taken to protect the wildlife. Here at home, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks would receive a minimum of $3.5 million annually, or $17.5 million over five years if this bill becomes law.
We all know that money is hard to come by these days, and this bill will help our producers and private landowners save hard-earned dollars as well. My legislation would fund efforts to conserve at-risk fish and wildlife and prevent costly requirements and frustrating delays that stem from recovering a species when its habitat is threatened.
By solving the recovery problem on the front end, this bill takes some of the politics out of protecting fish and wildlife. I’ve worked hard to craft a bill that is based in good, common sense and not ideology. We all have a responsibility to protect our way of life for future generations, including providing our children with the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed. The Teaming with Wildlife Act does just that, and is something Republicans and Democrats can agree on.
As a senior member of the Energy Committee, I know firsthand the many important issues we face. From enhancing the health of our National Forests to crafting strong legislation that finally breaks the grip overseas nations have had on our energy supply for too long, the committee has a lot on its plate. As we prepare to address those matters in the weeks ahead, my bill is something we can do now to allow kids to enjoy our traditions for generations.
Families need wildlife legislation
U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson
Engrained in all South Dakotans is a deep appreciation for our sportsman tradition.
Nearly all of us have spent time hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors at one of the many recreational sites our state is blessed with. This way of life is an important part of who we are.
As a father, I am proud to have passed down these traditions to my own children, and want to make sure that families can do the same for years to come. That’s why I have introduced the Teaming with Wildlife Act to help ensure we can pass on our South Dakota way of life to future generations.
If signed into law, this bill would create a first of its kind program with a dedicated funding source to help all states protect game and nongame fish and wildlife habitat while also funding recreation programs.
By directing a small portion of the royalties collected from onshore and offshore public land oil and gas production, we have a chance to fund practical conservation initiatives.
To ensure these funds are wisely spent, the legislation requires the funds be used to assist the implementation of each state’s comprehensive wildlife restoration plan. Throughout the past decade, every state has formed a Wildlife Action Plan to spell out the species in the greatest need of conservation. Together with a broad array of partners, state fish and wildlife agencies take a hard look at area wildlife and what steps need to be taken to protect the wildlife. Here at home, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks would receive a minimum of $3.5 million annually, or $17.5 million over five years if this bill becomes law.
We all know that money is hard to come by these days, and this bill will help our producers and private landowners save hard-earned dollars as well. My legislation would fund efforts to conserve at-risk fish and wildlife and prevent costly requirements and frustrating delays that stem from recovering a species when its habitat is threatened.
By solving the recovery problem on the front end, this bill takes some of the politics out of protecting fish and wildlife. I’ve worked hard to craft a bill that is based in good, common sense and not ideology. We all have a responsibility to protect our way of life for future generations, including providing our children with the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed. The Teaming with Wildlife Act does just that, and is something Republicans and Democrats can agree on.
As a senior member of the Energy Committee, I know firsthand the many important issues we face. From enhancing the health of our National Forests to crafting strong legislation that finally breaks the grip overseas nations have had on our energy supply for too long, the committee has a lot on its plate. As we prepare to address those matters in the weeks ahead, my bill is something we can do now to allow kids to enjoy our traditions for generations.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
54 Senators Signed SWG Dear Colleague Letter
Thanks to all of your hard work we now have 54 Senators signed onto to the SWG Dear Colleague Letter.
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