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Extinction Prevention Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4543| Senate 
| Updated: 5/14/2026
Richard Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Martin Heinrich (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)

Environment and Public Works Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill establishes four distinct conservation programs, each with its own dedicated fund, to protect vulnerable species and their habitats. These programs focus on North American butterflies , Pacific Islands plants , United States freshwater mussels , and Southwest desert fish . The overarching goal is to perpetuate healthy populations, assist in the conservation of threatened and endangered species, and provide financial resources for these initiatives. Each program directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, for conservation projects. These projects must align with existing authorities under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Eligible applicants include State and Tribal agencies, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations, though Federal agencies may only participate as partners. Project proposals must detail their purpose, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and demonstrate stakeholder engagement, including local public participation and, where necessary, free, informed, and prior consent from indigenous communities. The Secretary prioritizes projects that conserve species listed under the Endangered Species Act, ensure long-term sustainability, and secure matching funds. However, the Secretary can waive these priorities for high-priority projects. Each of the four conservation efforts establishes a dedicated fund within the Treasury, comprising appropriated amounts, transfers, and investment interest. For each fund, $5,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2032. These funds are to be used for conservation assistance, with a small portion allocated for administrative expenses. The Secretary is also authorized to accept donations of money or other personal property for these funds. To ensure accountability and transparency, the bill mandates annual reports to Congress from the Secretary of the Interior. These reports must detail the financial status of each fund, summarize and evaluate funded projects, and assess the status of the respective threatened and endangered species populations.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-3117
Extinction Prevention Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1728
Extinction Prevention Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1708
Extinction Prevention Act of 2023
May 14, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 14, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
May 15, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8850
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-3117
    Extinction Prevention Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1728
    Extinction Prevention Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1708
    Extinction Prevention Act of 2023


  • May 14, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 14, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


  • May 15, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8850
    Introduced in House

Environmental Protection

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8850: Extinction Prevention Act of 2026

Extinction Prevention Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4543| Senate 
| Updated: 5/14/2026
This bill establishes four distinct conservation programs, each with its own dedicated fund, to protect vulnerable species and their habitats. These programs focus on North American butterflies , Pacific Islands plants , United States freshwater mussels , and Southwest desert fish . The overarching goal is to perpetuate healthy populations, assist in the conservation of threatened and endangered species, and provide financial resources for these initiatives. Each program directs the Secretary of the Interior to provide competitive financial assistance, including multiyear grants, for conservation projects. These projects must align with existing authorities under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Eligible applicants include State and Tribal agencies, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations, though Federal agencies may only participate as partners. Project proposals must detail their purpose, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and demonstrate stakeholder engagement, including local public participation and, where necessary, free, informed, and prior consent from indigenous communities. The Secretary prioritizes projects that conserve species listed under the Endangered Species Act, ensure long-term sustainability, and secure matching funds. However, the Secretary can waive these priorities for high-priority projects. Each of the four conservation efforts establishes a dedicated fund within the Treasury, comprising appropriated amounts, transfers, and investment interest. For each fund, $5,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2032. These funds are to be used for conservation assistance, with a small portion allocated for administrative expenses. The Secretary is also authorized to accept donations of money or other personal property for these funds. To ensure accountability and transparency, the bill mandates annual reports to Congress from the Secretary of the Interior. These reports must detail the financial status of each fund, summarize and evaluate funded projects, and assess the status of the respective threatened and endangered species populations.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-3117
Extinction Prevention Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1728
Extinction Prevention Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1708
Extinction Prevention Act of 2023
May 14, 2026
Introduced in Senate
May 14, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
May 15, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-8850
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-3117
    Extinction Prevention Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1728
    Extinction Prevention Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1708
    Extinction Prevention Act of 2023


  • May 14, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 14, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.


  • May 15, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-8850
    Introduced in House
Richard Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (4)
Mazie K. Hirono (Democratic)Martin Heinrich (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)

Environment and Public Works Committee

Environmental Protection

Related Bills

  • HR 119-8850: Extinction Prevention Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted