H.R. 4062: Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025, is aimed at conserving and sustaining the population of western monarch butterflies, which are currently at significant risk of extinction. Over the past three decades, the western monarch butterfly population has declined by more than 99%, primarily due to factors such as prolonged drought, loss of milkweed and native pollinator habitat, and climate change. To address these issues, the bill includes several key provisions:

1. Establishment of the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund

The bill creates a designated fund, known as the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund, which will be used to finance various conservation projects aimed at helping western monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The fund is authorized to receive $12.5 million each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030.

2. Grant Programs for Conservation Projects

The Secretary of the Interior will have the authority to provide grants from this fund for projects that contribute to the conservation and recovery of western monarch butterflies. Eligible recipients for these grants may include:

• Local governments and Tribal agencies
• Research institutions
• Nonprofit organizations with expertise in pollinator conservation

Federal and state agencies can collaborate as partners but cannot be the lead entities in these projects.

3. Project Proposal Requirements

Project proposals submitted for grant funding must outline:

• The purpose of the project.
• The entity responsible for the project.
• The qualifications and methods for implementation and assessment.
• Assurances that the project aligns with wildlife management and food safety measures.
• Evidence of the project’s potential contribution to conservation goals.

4. Annual Review and Reporting

The Secretary is required to solicit and review project proposals annually, ensuring that the urgency of conservation efforts is recognized due to the declining butterfly populations. Entities receiving grants must report on their progress and provide evaluations of their projects regularly.

5. Implementation of Conservation Plans

The bill mandates that the Secretary enter an agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to update and implement the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan established in 2019. Funding is also provided to support this effort, similarly authorized at $12.5 million for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.

6. Reporting to Congress

The Secretary of the Interior must provide an annual report to Congress detailing the status of the western monarch butterfly population, including a summary of funded projects and their evaluations.

Findings Supporting the Bill

The bill is underpinned by findings that highlight the critical status of the western monarch population. Key points noted include:

• The population has recently declined to historic lows, with fewer than 10,000 butterflies recorded in 2024.
• Without urgent action, extinction may occur within the next two decades.
• Conservation efforts, including the restoration of habitats and enhancing pollinator populations, are essential for the survival of not only western monarchs but also other crucial pollinators.

Relevant Companies

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