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On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act, which establishes several new conservation programs and reauthorizes and increases many others. In response, NMMA applauded Congress for advancing the measure, calling the bill a significant boost to wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation efforts.

Specifically, the ACE Act authorizes more than $1 billion for federal wildlife and habitat programs through 2025. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails network and the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Grants Assistance Program. The legislation also establishes a chronic wasting disease task force and authorizes Federal funding to combat invasive species. Finally, the bill works to increase partnerships between public agencies and outside groups to conserve local fish species.

The House vote comes two weeks after the Senate passed the measure by voice vote, sending the bill to President Trump’s desk who is expected to sign the legislation. The ACE Act is the second major conservation package Congress passed this year. The Great American Outdoors Act – which permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund and invests in recreational infrastructure – was signed into law in August.

For more information, please contact NMMA director of federal government relations, Clay Crabtree at [email protected].