(Washington, DC–June 10, 2026)–The Home Pure Assets Committee as we speak accredited bipartisan laws that would supply devoted funding and assist for native habitat conservation efforts for communities nationwide, from small cities and suburbs to main metropolitan areas.
H.R. 3276, the Native Communities and Chicken Habitat Stewardship Act, was launched by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Ben Cline (R-VA). It addresses an vital actuality of hen conservation: birds rely upon wholesome habitat not solely in wild areas, but additionally within the cities, cities, and dealing landscapes they encounter all through their annual journeys.
“Birds depend on wholesome habitat not solely in undeveloped areas, however within the locations the place folks stay, work, and recreate,” mentioned Felice Stadler, vp of presidency affairs on the Nationwide Audubon Society. “North American hen populations have plunged by practically 30 p.c since 1970, and communities want extra instruments to preserve and restore the habitat birds rely upon all through their annual journeys. The Native Communities & Chicken Habitat Stewardship Act would assist meet that want whereas creating more healthy, extra resilient neighborhoods.”
“Birds are an important a part of our ecosystems and our on a regular basis lives, and each group has a job to play in defending them,” mentioned Dingell. “Since 1970, hen populations in North America have declined by a 3rd and species are disappearing. At this time’s passage of the Native Communities and Chicken Habitat Stewardship Act by the Home Pure Assets Committee is a vital step towards giving cities, cities, and native companions the instruments they should restore habitat, scale back hazards to birds, and interact extra folks in conservation. I’m grateful to Audubon for its partnership as we work to get this invoice handed into regulation.”
“Birds play an vital position in sustaining wholesome ecosystems, and accountable conservation efforts might help defend migratory pathways whereas decreasing the chance of avian illnesses,” mentioned Cline. “These initiatives are handiest when led by native communities and municipal leaders who perceive the distinctive wants of their areas. I’m happy that this laws superior by means of the Home Committee on Pure Assets. As this measure strikes ahead, we should make sure that any federal assist stays focused, clear, and accountable to the taxpayers who fund it.”
The Native Communities and Chicken Habitat Stewardship Act helps communities creating and enhancing habitat by means of voluntary conservation initiatives that profit each birds and other people. It could present funding for native companions (from municipalities to group teams) to revive inexperienced house, enhance habitat connectivity, and scale back bodily threats to birds.
The invoice now strikes to consideration by the total Home of Representatives.
Media contact: Jason Howe, jason.howe@audubon.org
