Lofgren Commemorates Earth Day with Bipartisan Legislation to Support Wildlife Migration and Protect Biodiversity

 

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, April 22, on Earth Day, Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act. This legislation would support planning for and identification of natural species migration patterns to improve safe, free movement between habitats by establishing a National Wildlife Corridor System.

“This Earth Day, I'm proud to help lead this bipartisan bill that would have a profound and positive impact on America's biodiversity,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “Especially in my home state of California, wildlife corridors have proven to be a key solution to help species that are moving across habitats due to climate change. Not only will this bill help to reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife, but it will allow America's many ecosystems to flourish.”

“Biodiversity loss has a major impact on our planet’s resilience and affects our lives as humans. Wildlife corridors are one of the simplest yet most effective solutions to mitigate that loss by supporting habitat connectivity,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “By connecting different habitat areas, we can help animals access necessary food and resources, support genetic diversity, and give species the space they need to thrive.”

 

“Florida is home to some of the nation’s most treasured wildlife in the country, from panthers and alligators to manatees and sea turtles,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan. “Safeguarding their habitats is critical for the survival of these species and the preservation of our state’s ecosystems. As Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am honored to help introduce this bipartisan legislation that gives states the power to protect vital wildlife corridors. Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to advance commonsense solutions that ensure the future of our nation’s wildlife.”

“When conservation is done right, the benefits reach well beyond the landscape itself. This initiative will help protect habitat, strengthen biodiversity, and improve wildlife movement, while making our roads safer and reducing property damage here at home,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “Just as importantly, it gives state and local partners a more effective path to bring federal dollars back and invest them in practical solutions tailored to local needs. This is exactly the kind of commonsense, community-focused stewardship our communities deserve.”

 

This legislation is endorsed by the Endangered Species Coalition and Defenders of Wildlife.

 

“From Florida panthers to pronghorn and monarch butterflies, wildlife need to move across the landscape to survive. Protecting wildlife corridors is one of the most important tools we have to address the biodiversity crisis, especially in the face of climate change,” said Susan Holmes, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “By creating a national system of wildlife corridors, this bill will safeguard biodiversity and protect some of our most endangered species. We thank Representatives Beyer, Buchanan, Lofgren, and Fitzpatrick for their leadership in championing this critical effort.”

“Rep. Beyer, Buchanan, Lofgren, and Fitzpatrick’s legislation would address a key driver of the biodiversity crisis by enhancing wildlife connectivity across our public lands,” said Christian Hunt, Director of National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program at Defenders of Wildlife. “The science is clear – where wildlife movement is restricted, local extinctions follow. This bill offers a durable, long-term solution that will be critical to reversing that trend.” 

 

The Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act would establish a habitat connectivity mapping and science program in collaboration with federal, state, and tribal governments to identify, protect and plan with critical wildlife corridors in mind. This bill would also establish a wildlife corridor grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife to support these efforts.