Hirono introduces Extinction Prevention Act to protect imperiled wildlife, plants

Today, ahead of Endangered Species Day on May 19, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Extinction Prevention Act.

The bicameral legislation would provide funding for some of the country’s most imperiled wildlife species, including threatened and endangered North American butterflies, various Pacific Island plants, freshwater mussels and Southwest desert fish.

The legislation, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in the Senate, was also introduced in the House by Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ).

“In Hawai‘i, native plants are crucial to the islands’ history, culture, and environment, which is why our communities prioritize the preservation of our unique biodiversity,” said Sen. Hirono.

The Extinction Prevention Act addresses the longstanding issue of insufficient funding which has plagued efforts to recover these at-risk species, in some cases, for decades. It authorizes $5 million annually for each species group to fund conservation projects related to:

• restoration, protection, and management of ecosystems
• research and monitoring of populations
• development and implementation of management plans
• enforcement and implementation of applicable conservation laws
• community outreach and education

Habitat protection for these less charismatic species is chronically underfunded despite them being among the species most at risk of extinction.

North American butterflies—one of the fastest declining groups of all endangered species—have not seen a single species improve among the 39 listed.

The situation is equally dire in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands, where nearly 400 plant species are threatened or endangered, representing about 22 percent of all listed species.

In Hawai‘i, over 200 plant species have dwindled to fewer than 50 wild individuals.
Freshwater mussels are currently the most imperiled animal group in the country, with 70 percent of U.S. species at risk of extinction and 38 species already lost.

Southwest desert fish are being threatened by drought and water scarcity, resulting in significant population and habitat reductions. Currently, 42 species are listed as endangered or threatened.

Eligible applicants for funding include relevant states, territories, tribal governments, or any other entities with the expertise required for the conservation of the particular species group.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Blumenthal, the bill has also been co-sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR).