Wittman’s America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act Advances Out of House Natural Resources Committee

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman's (R-VA-01) America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act advanced out of the House Natural Resources Committee after receiving a hearing and markup. The bill is now eligible for a full House floor vote. This comprehensive legislation will enhance the preservation of America's natural resources, wildlife, and habitats.

"As a former marine scientist, I know how critical it is that we protect and manage our natural resources wisely," said Rep. Wittman. "I'm proud to see my America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act gain momentum and support - this critical legislation will continue record investment in our nation's precious natural resources, including the Chesapeake Bay, to support our agricultural communities and preserve our wildlife, waters, and lands for future generations."

"As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, I've seen firsthand the importance of conservation programs for the health and longevity of our wildlife," said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman. "Congressman Wittman also knows a thing or two about getting outdoors, and his legislation to reauthorize the ACE Act will support and enhance some of our country's most successful conservation programs in Virginia and beyond. I'd like to thank him for being a tireless champion of sportsmen's issues and that our hunters and fishermen will be able to enjoy the great outdoors for generations to come."

The following key provisions are included in the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act:

North American Wetlands Conservation Act:

• Protects waterfowl, fish, wildlife resources, and wetland habitats.

• Supports local economies that depend on outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture.

• Preserves American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching.

National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act:

• Strengthens partnerships and projects to help maintain healthy fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act:

• Reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program, a successful federal-state partnership that coordinates efforts to reduce pollution in the Bay, through Fiscal Year 2025.

Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Reauthorization Act:

• Supports efforts to improve the condition of habitats and enhance public access to the Bay and its rivers.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Act:

• Helps local entities rehabilitate fish and wildlife habitats through the Bay Watershed.

While making major investments in conservation of natural resources, the bill also includes important measures to enhance accountability and reporting to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of funded projects.

The bill is endorsed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, National Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and American Sportfishing Association.

"The Bay cleanup effort is at a critical juncture. To meet the moment, it is essential that Congress extend the Bay restoration programs covered in this bill. We urge House leaders to recognize the bipartisan momentum behind the ACE Reauthorization Act and schedule a vote on it as soon as possible," said Chesapeake Bay Foundation Federal Director Keisha Sedlacek. "The Chesapeake Bay Foundation thanks Rep. Wittman for his leadership and commitment to renewing the historic America's Conservation Enhancement Act. We're pleased to see that protecting water quality, wildlife habitat, and public access to the Bay and its tributaries remains an area of bipartisan agreement."

"Roughly a third of all species in the United States are at risk," said Andrew Wilkins, director of land conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation. "We're pleased that the committee is marking up the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act, which supports collaborative efforts to restore habitat for wildlife on our lands and in our waters. We encourage the committee to provide strong funding for this strong piece of legislation."

"America's Conservation Enhancement Act makes vital investments in programs that conserve America's natural resources," said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. "Foundational programs, like NAWCA, combined with effective regional initiatives, like the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Chesapeake WILD Act, ensure this important legislation has something for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. We thank Rep. Wittman for guiding this reauthorization through committee, and we urge his colleagues to support it on the House floor."

"We sincerely thank CSC Members Representatives Wittman, Kiggans, Dingell, Panetta, and Thompson for their strong bipartisan leadership in moving forward a top priority for CSF and the sportsmen's community," said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. "The ACE Reauthorization Act will ensure that proven, highly successful programs that benefit fish, wildlife, and water quality across the nation will continue to restore, conserve, and enhance our natural resources from coast to coast."

"Rep. Wittman continues to be a champion for the nation's 57.7 million recreational fishermen," said Glenn Hughes, President of the American Sportfishing Association. "The America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act is tremendously important legislation for fisheries conservation and fishing access around the country. The American Sportfishing Association particularly supports the sections of the bill related to fish habitat restoration, pollution reduction in the Chesapeake Bay, invasive species management, and the protection of traditional tackle. We are excited to see the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act continue to move through Congress, and look forward to its enactment this year."

Congressman Wittman serves as co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, of which he works across the aisle to advance bipartisan legislation to protect the Bay and conservation efforts nationwide.

Prior to his election to Congress, Congressman Wittman spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Health Department's Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier in his career, he worked as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions.

Read the full bill text here.

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