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An Argument Supporting H.R.3742 - Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2019

May 7th, 2020

Dear Representative Beyer,

As a registered Democrat who voted for you in the last election, I am writing to request that you support H.R.3742 - Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2019. If passed, H.R.3742 would require the Secretary of the Treasury to annually allot $1.3 billion into a fund that can be accessed by state agencies for wildlife conservation purposes, of which 10% of procured funds must be used towards the recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq). Furthermore, H.R.3742 would necessitate the deposit of $96 million into a separate fund that is specifically created to serve the conservation of wildlife on Native American lands, accessible only to Native Americans themselves. Both of these funds are incredibly important and will most certainly serve America—and Virginia’s—long-term ecological, financial, and general well being.

This bill would contribute towards preserving Virginia’s natural resources for current and future generations, while ensuring the Commonwealth’s continued financial prosperity as well. Recognizing the influence of natural spaces, our federal government established the national park system in 1916; Virginia followed twenty years later, opening its system of six state parks in 1936. Currently, Virginia operates 38 state parks that provide many recreational and educational opportunities to the public. In 2019, not only did the public spend an estimated $286.2 million at state parks, our parks also contributed $343 million to Virginia’s economy. Americans utilize and delight in the natural spaces the Commonwealth has to offer. However, from high rates of sea level rise along the shore to rapid infestation of invasive species throughout our forests, our natural spaces face great threats, which are projected to only intensify over time. Our state park system and fish and wildlife service need proper, sustained funding for projects that work towards conserving and restoring Virginian wildlife—projects that keep parks open, operating, and attractive to the American people. Your support for H.R. 3742 would enable these agencies to continue their hard work that benefits the environment and thus our economy as well.

Your leadership in championing the establishment of wildlife corridors in H.R.2795 - Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2019 prompts me to believe that your values align with H.R. 3742 as well. Understanding the gravity of protecting species at-risk for extinction, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in order to preserve America's wildlife. As of 2014, there are 72 species listed as either endangered or threatened within Virginia ; thus, it is our state’s responsibility to work toward recovery of these species. However, funds available at the State level are lacking for conservation, which makes following recovery plans laid out by the Endangered Species Act impossible to enact; a plan remains only a plan without proper allocation and disbursement of resources, after all. Furthermore, a study found that species that receive a significant proportion of their budget (as listed in their recovery plan) have a higher likelihood of stabilizing or increasing population size over time. Thus, by passing H.R. 3742, the federal government provides exactly what is needed for conservation and restoration: steady funding over time. We share this world with abundant flora and fauna, yet our influence has jeopardized and imperiled many species and habitats. By passing H.R. 3742, we give ourselves an even greater opportunity to give back to the species we have taken from, an opportunity that we ethically cannot overlook.

Finally, H.R. recognizes the importance Native Americans play in protecting America’s ecosystems, and would provide them funding for wildlife projects located within tribal lands. While I do not have evidence to prove that Virginia’s tribes may directly benefit from this funding, both state-recognized reservations operate fisheries that annually release millions of American shad (Alosa sapidissima) fry into the Chesapeake Bay ; this funding could certainly help support this undertaking. However, while we are residents of Virginia, we cannot forget that H.R. 3742 would become a federal law, accessible to the entire United States. In the Pacific Northwest, altered stream flow and overfishing have led to a steep salmon population decrease. These fish are more than just food for the local Native Americans—they are an important staple of their culture, religion, and medicine practices as well. The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, whose members are composed of people from four Native American tribes, have been working for over thirty years to improve salmon populations; with the passing of H.R. 3742, they would be able to acquire even greater funding for their continued efforts. Having co-sponsored H.R.872 - Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2015, I ask that you maintain your support for America’s native tribes by voting in favor of H.R. 3742.

Your record speaks for itself; you care about environmental protection. As a future marine scientist, I greatly respect your efforts in spearheading the push for H.R.4093 - National Oceans and Coastal Security Improvements Act of 2019; protecting Americans coastlines is both economically and ecologically favorable for the future of America. Moreover, as co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Climate Change Task Force, I appreciate that you recognize the importance of global collaboration and a shift to a climate-focused economy. You’ve led by example in terms of environmental stewardship thus far during your time in the House. Please assure me that I can continue to maintain my faith in your leadership by voting in favor of H.R. 3742 when it reaches the House floor.