Contact:
Elliot Brinkman, Prairie River Network, 217.344.2371 , ebrinkman@prairierivers.org
Lacey McCormick, National Wildlife Federation, (512) 203-3016, mccormick@nwf.org
Senator Duckworth Supports Bipartisan Bill To Protect Illinois Wildlife, Help Prevent Extinctions Nationwide
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Sept. 24, 2021) — Senator Tammy Duckworth is co-sponsoring the most significant wildlife conservation bill in nearly half a century, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. The bipartisan bill will devote $1.4 billion annually to locally-led efforts – including $24.5M million to Illinois – to help prevent extinctions and help at-risk wildlife species.
“This bill is an important step in addressing the looming biodiversity crisis,” said Elliot Brinkman, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. “The bill would benefit the people of Illinois and more than 400 species of concern such as the Lake sturgeon, Monarch butterfly, and Blanding’s turtle. We are thankful for Senator Duckworth’s leadership on this historic legislation and hope the rest of the Illinois delegation will join her in co-sponsoring this bipartisan bill.”
“Saving the thousands of at-risk wildlife species will require bold, bipartisan leadership and unprecedented collaboration,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are so grateful to Senator Duckworth for leading the way on the historic Recovering America’s Wildlife Act that will have an immediate impact – saving species and creating jobs in Illinois and all across the country.”
Nationwide, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act dedicates $1.4 billion annually to locally led wildlife restoration efforts. At least 15 percent of the funds will be used to help species already designated as endangered or threatened. Federally recognized tribal nations would share $97.5 million annually to fund wildlife conservation efforts on tribal lands.
Representatives Janice Schakowsky, Rodney Davis, and Mike Quigley are among the more than 100 bipartisan supporters of the House version of the legislation.
Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News.
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