What They Are Saying: Broad Support for Bipartisan ACE Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  A broad group of stakeholders have voiced support for the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act. The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) introduced the ACE Act last week, which she co-authored alongside EPW Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.).

The ACE Act helps conserve wildlife and wildlife habitat, including by reauthorizing the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, and the Chesapeake Bay Program. It also addresses the threats of emerging wildlife diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease, protects livestock from predators, and combats invasive species.

What They Are Saying About the Legislation:

American Sportfishing Association

“The recreational fishing industry appreciates the bipartisan commitment of Chairman Carper, Ranking Member Capito, and other sponsors of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act to further conservation throughout the country. The many important provisions of this bill – such as improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, supporting fish habitat restoration projects, and protecting the use of traditional tackle – are integral to the future of angling in America. The ACE Reauthorization Act will go a long way in supporting our country's 54.5 million anglers and the $148 billion sportfishing industry.”

-      Glenn Hughes, President, American Sportfishing Association

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

“We thank Chairman Carper (D-Del) and Ranking Member Capito (R-WV) for championing this critical legislation. Reauthorizing the programs in the ACE Act is essential for responsible stewardship of our natural resources, enabling state agencies to continue ensuring healthy habitats, abundant species populations, and expanded opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists.”

-      Chuck Sykes, President, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

“We applaud Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito for their leadership on the ACE Act. Lands, waters, and wildlife across the continent would see an investment from this legislation, providing significant benefits to hunters and anglers. At a time rife with partisan divide, the uniting power of conservation for the benefit of all Americans is clear.”

-      Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) extends our thanks to Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Members Chair Carper and Ranking Member Capito for continuing to champion important efforts for America’s nearly 55 million sportsmen and women. The ACE Reauthorization Act includes some of the most critical programs to conserve fish, wildlife, and their associated habitats, and includes top priorities for CSF. We look forward to working with the Chairman and the Ranking Member to help advance this legislation in 2024.”

-      Jeff Crane, President and CEO, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Ducks Unlimited

“When America’s Conservation Enhancement Act was signed into law in 2020, it was a game-changer for conservation in North America. With support for many of our highest priority programs, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, the ACE Act has benefited waterfowl habitat and communities across the United States. Thank you to Sens. Carper and Capito for leading the charge to reauthorize this important piece of America’s conservation legacy.”

-      Adam Putnam, CEO, Ducks Unlimited

National Audubon Society

“The ACE Act would ensure that programs around the country would continue to support habitat conservation efforts for birds and provide resources they need to survive. Effective conservation of the birds we love means ensuring that the wetlands that they call home can endure, and that the fish they need to sustain themselves and their young are also plentiful. We thank Senators Carper and Capito for their leadership, and hope this comprehensive bill passes swiftly.”

-      Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government Affairs, the National Audubon Society

National Wildlife Federation

“At a time when one-third of all species in the United States are at heightened risk of extinction, this bill shows us once again that Americans can cast aside partisanship when it comes to wildlife and our outdoor heritage. The ACE Act will restore habitat on our lands and in our waters and would help wildlife thrive on working lands. We are specifically pleased to see additional funding for restoring wetlands through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.”

-      Collin O’Mara, President and CEO, National Wildlife Federation

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

“The reauthorization of the ACE Act will benefit fish and wildlife while enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for millions of hunters and anglers. We applaud Senator Carper and Senator Capito for their leadership on America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024 and we look forward to building on the success of these crucial conservation programs.”

-      Becky Humphries, CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

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