Expressing the need for protecting and conserving at least 50 percent of the land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems in the United States and encouraging diplomatic community efforts to achieve this goal worldwide.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 346
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-19T13:57:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 346) expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the urgent need to address biodiversity loss and species extinction. It calls for protecting and conserving at least 50 percent of land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems in the United States by 2030 and beyond, while encouraging international diplomatic efforts to achieve similar goals worldwide. The resolution highlights the interconnected crises of biodiversity decline and climate change, emphasizing conservation as a way to safeguard ecosystems, human health, and economic benefits.
Key Provisions
The resolution is structured as a series of "Whereas" clauses providing factual background and rationale, followed by a "Resolved" section stating the House's position. Key elements include:
- Recognition of the crisis: Acknowledges a 73% average decline in populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish since 1970; extinction rates tens to hundreds of times higher than historical averages; and threats to over one million species, exacerbated by climate change and habitat destruction.
- Benefits of conservation: Notes that intact ecosystems (e.g., forests, wetlands) sequester carbon, mitigate climate impacts, provide clean water and air, reduce disease risks, support food production (e.g., pollinators valued at over $500 billion globally), and boost industries like outdoor recreation (which supported 5 million U.S. jobs and $1.2 trillion in output in 2023).
- Equity and historical context: Highlights how past policies have disproportionately harmed biodiversity in communities of color, low-income areas, and Tribal lands, denying them access to nature's benefits.
- Scientific and practical basis: References biologist E.O. Wilson's "half-Earth" concept (protecting 50% of the planet to sustain 85% of species) and tools for identifying priority habitats; promotes collaborative approaches like public-private partnerships, Indigenous stewardship, and international cooperation.
- House sense: Urges Congress to support 50% conservation in the U.S. as a step beyond the Biden administration's "America the Beautiful" initiative (aiming for 30% by 2030), with emphasis on stakeholder consultation for equitable transitions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no enforceable changes to existing law. It builds on prior efforts like the 30x30 conservation goal but advocates for an ambitious escalation to 50% protection without creating new mandates, penalties, or funding requirements. It serves as a policy statement to guide future legislation rather than amend current statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Could influence the Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and other natural resource agencies to prioritize expanded conservation planning; the State Department may face encouragement for diplomatic initiatives on global biodiversity.
- On citizens: Promotes broader access to nature's benefits, such as improved health, cleaner environments, and economic opportunities in conservation-related jobs, particularly benefiting underserved communities through equitable policies.
- On international relations: Encourages U.S. leadership in global diplomacy to promote 50% ecosystem protection worldwide, potentially strengthening partnerships under frameworks like the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and fostering cooperation on climate and extinction issues.
Overall, impacts would depend on subsequent binding legislation, but it could accelerate voluntary conservation efforts and public awareness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental and conservation groups: Benefit from heightened focus on biodiversity protection and tools for habitat identification.
- Indigenous, Tribal, and local communities: Emphasized for their stewardship roles and rights to lands, with calls to address historical inequities in access to nature.
- Communities of color and low-income groups: Targeted for remediation of disproportionate environmental harms, ensuring inclusive benefits like health improvements and economic opportunities.
- Outdoor recreation and related industries: Supported through recognition of their economic value and job creation in natural areas.
- Scientists and policymakers: Provided with a platform for evidence-based goals, influencing research and international collaborations.
- Global partners: Affected by U.S. encouragement of worldwide efforts, impacting nations facing similar biodiversity challenges.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and cannot compel action, but it may inspire enforceable bills (e.g., via the committees on Natural Resources and Foreign Affairs). It aligns with existing environmental laws like the Endangered Species Act without altering them.
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's Article I powers to express opinions on policy matters, including foreign affairs and environmental regulation, without infringing on executive authority.
- Political: Signals bipartisan or cross-aisle potential for conservation (introduced by Rep. Beyer, a Democrat), but the 50% goal exceeds the prior administration's 30x30 target, which could spark debate on feasibility, land-use rights, and costs. It underscores a shift toward equity in environmental policy, potentially influencing election-year discussions on climate and biodiversity.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-04-24: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-24: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the need for protecting and conserving at least 50 percent of the land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems in the United States and encouraging diplomatic community efforts to achieve this goal worldwide. — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (5 pages)