Extinction Prevention Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4543
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-18T15:27:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Extinction Prevention Act of 2026
Purpose of the Legislation
This Act establishes four separate dedicated funds to support conservation efforts for specific groups of species and their habitats. It aims to perpetuate healthy populations, assist in the recovery of threatened and endangered species, and provide financial resources while fostering cooperation among governments, Tribes, and communities. The legislation operates in a manner consistent with existing authorities under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Key Provisions
- Title I (North America Butterfly Conservation Act of 2026): Creates the North America Butterfly Conservation Fund to provide competitive grants for habitat protection, research, monitoring, management plans, law enforcement, and education across North America (including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean nations).
- Title II (Pacific Islands Plant Conservation Fund Act of 2026): Establishes the Pacific Islands Plant Conservation Fund for projects conserving threatened and endangered plants in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, including ecosystem management and community outreach.
- Title III (Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund Act of 2026): Forms the Freshwater Mussel Conservation Fund to aid conservation of U.S. freshwater mussels through habitat restoration, population monitoring, and sustainable programs.
- Title IV (Southwest Desert Fish Conservation Fund Act of 2026): Sets up the Southwest Desert Fish Conservation Fund for desert fish in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah, focusing on habitat protection and threat reduction.
- Each title authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award multiyear grants to eligible applicants (state, Tribal, or territorial agencies, research institutions, nonprofits, and other entities with expertise), while prohibiting federal agencies from serving as lead recipients.
- Project proposals must include purposes, qualifications, methods, timelines, matching funds, local participation, cultural sensitivity, and evidence of support or consent from relevant governments, Tribes, and indigenous communities.
- Approval criteria prioritize threatened or endangered species, long-term sustainability, and availability of matching funds, with waivers possible for high-priority projects.
- Funds are held in the Treasury, invested in U.S. obligations, and may accept donations (cash, debt obligations, or property). Administrative expenses are capped at the greater of 3% or $80,000 annually.
- Annual reports to Congress are required, detailing deposits, expenditures, project summaries, and species status evaluations.
- Appropriations of $5,000,000 per title are authorized for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The Act introduces new, species-specific conservation funds and grant programs that supplement but do not amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It creates dedicated Treasury accounts for targeted assistance, emphasizes competitive multiyear funding, and adds requirements for indigenous consent, public reporting, and international consultation not previously structured in this form for these particular taxa.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Secretary of the Interior and other federal officials gain new responsibilities for reviewing proposals, consulting with foreign governments or states, managing funds, and issuing reports, with limited administrative funding available.
- Citizens and Communities: Increases opportunities for local participation, education, and stakeholder engagement in conservation projects, particularly in affected regions and indigenous areas.
- International Relations: Promotes cooperation with Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean nations for butterfly conservation, including consultations on project proposals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies, particularly the Department of the Interior.
- State, territorial, and Tribal wildlife agencies.
- Research institutions and nonprofit organizations.
- Indigenous communities and local governments in project areas.
- Wildlife management authorities in North America and the Pacific Islands.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation aligns with Congress's authority to appropriate funds and direct conservation policy under the Endangered Species Act framework. It highlights requirements for free, prior, and informed consent from indigenous communities and compliance with cultural and historic resource laws. No direct constitutional conflicts are evident in the text, though it reinforces federal leadership in species recovery while encouraging matching funds and long-term project sustainability.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Extinction Prevention Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (48 pages)