Policy Impact Analysis - 117/S/2372

Bill Overview

Title: Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2022

Description: This bill provides financial and technical assistance to states, territories, and the District of Columbia for the purposes of (1) recovering species listed as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act or under state law, or (2) avoiding the need to list species under such laws. For example, the bill establishes the Endangered Species Recovery and Habitat Conservation Legacy Fund. A portion of the fund must be used to establish an Endangered Species Recovery Grant Program. It also provides funding for (1) the conservation or restoration of wildlife and plant species of greatest conservation need; (2) the wildlife conservation strategies of states, territories, or the District of Columbia; and (3) wildlife conservation education and recreation projects. The Department of the Interior must use a portion of the funding for a grant program. The grants must be used for innovative recovery efforts for species of greatest conservation need, species listed as endangered or threatened species, or the habitats of such species. In addition, the bill requires certain revenues generated from fees and penalties for violations of environmental requirements to be used as a source for the funding.

Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

Target Audience

Population: People worldwide who benefit from biodiversity and ecosystem services

Estimated Size: 332000000

• The bill targets state and territorial agencies involved in wildlife conservation, which in turn have an impact on local ecosystems and communities.
• Conservation efforts and recovery of endangered species would benefit both the natural environments and the human populations that rely on those ecosystems for services such as clean water, air, and biodiversity.
• The educational and recreational projects funded by the bill potentially engage and impact people interested in wildlife education and outdoor activities.
• The bill has a focus on preserving biodiversity, which benefits the wider public by maintaining ecological balance and providing ecosystem services.

Reasoning

• The population affected by the policy includes a mixture of direct and indirect beneficiaries, from conservation workers to the general public enjoying cleaner environmental conditions.
• To reflect the diverse impact of the policy, I'll include interviews from people of varying degrees of impact - those whose livelihoods depend directly on environmental health, and others who benefit indirectly from improved air and water quality.
• The simulated interviews also consider people who may not perceive immediate impact but contribute to long-term societal benefits such as increased biodiversity and recreational opportunities.
• Given the policy involves large government spending, the overall perceived well-being should reflect not only ecological improvements but also economic considerations like job creation in conservation-related sectors.
• Budget limitations mean not all possible conservation efforts will be funded, so some people may experience potentially unmet conservation needs, reflected in their responses.

Simulated Interviews

Cost Estimates

Key Considerations

• The effectiveness of the fund allocation and management by state and local agencies will significantly determine the success of conservation efforts.
• The balance between immediate costs and long-term ecological and economic benefits.
• Collaboration with private entities and NGOs may leverage additional resources and insights.