Emily Randall: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1676 will improve the State-led conservation of priority fish and wildlife resources by improving the…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1676 will improve the State-led conservation of priority fish and wildlife resources by improving the efficiency of the State Wildlife Action Plan review process. State wildlife managers in every U.S. State are facing increasing challenges. Nationwide, more than one-third of all plant and animal species face heightened risks of extinction. State Wildlife Action Plans are essential to proactively conserving fish and wildlife, rather than waiting for populations to decline to a point where they need Endangered Species Act protections. These plans provide a comprehensive assessment of the status of States' wildlife populations, key habitats, and strategies to keep the populations strong. Each year, these funds provide States with upwards of $54.4 million to conserve species and critical habitats. These funds have enabled numerous success stories, including research and conservation for the rare Sierra Nevada red fox in California and the Cook Inlet beluga whales in Alaska.”