Once signed by the President, bill reauthorizes important conservation funding opportunities
Yesterday, the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives; the Senate passed their version of the bill in May. The Senate must still approve changes to the bill, which is an essential piece of conservation funding legislation, before it can be passed on to President Biden to be finalized.
Originally signed into law in 2020, the ACE act most notably reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) which has helped to conserve over 32 million acres of wetlands across the country. The bill also continues National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) funding, which has been an essential pool of funding for Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF). Most recently, $1.6 million has been awarded in 2024 to The Habitat Organization, fueling wildlife habitat conservation efforts across the nation.
“The ACE Reauthorization Act ensures continuity of some of our country’s most successful and impactful conservation programs, and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever sincerely hopes to see this reach the President’s desk before the end of the year” said Ron Leathers, PF & QF’s chief conservation officer. “PF & QF want to thank Representatives Wittman, Dingell, Kiggans, and Thompson as well as Senators Capito and Carper for their leadership on this important legislation.”
Once final changes to the bill have been reconciled by the Senate and House, it can then be passed on the President where it will once again be signed into law, reauthorizing the ACE Act through 2030.