HARRISBURG, Pa.— Senator Bob Casey is co-sponsoring the most significant wildlife conservation bill in nearly half a century, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. The bipartisan bill will devote $1.4 billion annually to locally-led efforts – including roughly $21 million for Pennsylvania – to help at-risk wildlife species.

"There are 23 endangered species in Pennsylvania and even more wildlife populations at risk due to climate change’s disruption of their habitats,” said Patrick McDonnell, president and CEO of PennFuture. “We need additional state-level strategies to keep common species from disappearing in our state. We believe that the Recovering America's Wildlife Act has a greater chance of passing with the support of Senator Bob Casey, who can generate enthusiasm in Congress for this first-of-its-kind funding to prevent an American wildlife crisis."

More than 660 local species would benefit from the bill, including eastern hellbenders, northern flying squirrels, and brook trout. 

“Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is a commonsense proposal,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “It’s an easy bill to support because it will allow us to step in quickly when a wildlife population starts to struggle. On behalf of the Game Commission, I’d like to thank Senator Bob Casey for his support of this landmark legislation that’s so important to fish and wildlife in the Commonwealth.”

Funds from the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would be used to implement its state wildlife action plan which identifies 664 priority species. At least 15 percent of the funds will be used to help species already designated as endangered or threatened. 

“Senator Casey’s support of this legislation is another step towards securing resources to proactively manage and protect hundreds of at-risk species in Pennsylvania,” said Tim Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. “The result will keep common species common, prevent species from becoming threatened or endangered, and more aggressively help those species on the road to recovery.”

Federally recognized tribal nations would share $97.5 million annually to fund wildlife conservation efforts on tribal lands. 

“Saving the thousands of at-risk wildlife species will require bold, bipartisan leadership,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are so grateful to Senator Casey for leading the way on the historic Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. This bill will have an immediate impact – saving species, creating jobs and protecting our way of life in Pennsylvania and all across the country.”