Henrico Times

Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) introduced the America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act of 2024 alongside Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA-04). This comprehensive legislation aims to enhance the preservation of America's natural resources, wildlife, and habitats.

“As a former marine scientist, I know from experience how critical it is that we protect and manage our natural resources wisely,” said Congressman Wittman. “I’m proud to introduce the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act, which continues record investment in our nation’s precious natural resources, including the Chesapeake Bay. By reauthorizing and enhancing these vital conservation programs, we are taking significant steps to support our agricultural communities and preserve our wildlife, waters, and lands for future generations."

“The United States is in the midst of an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, and we need to act now and invest substantively in conservation,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act to support a broad range of conservation programs and am hopeful we can work together to increase the funding in this bill to the level authorized by the Senate.”

“As Coastal Virginians, the Chesapeake Bay is an invaluable part of our everyday lives,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I am proud to partner with my friend and colleague, Congressman Wittman, on legislation to ensure we can continue to conserve our beautiful waterways, wetlands, and wildlife habitats for decades to come!”

“Reauthorizing our most critical wildlife conservation programs just makes sense,” said Congressman Thompson. “The ACE Act will ensure the longevity of our North American Wetlands Conservation Act Program, which has already helped conserve over 32 million acres of wetlands across our country as well as other impactful programs. I’m a longtime supporter of U.S. conservation efforts and I am proud to serve as a co-sponsor for this bipartisan legislation. I thank Reps. Wittman, Dingell, and Kiggans for their support.”

Congressman Wittman serves as co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force where he works across party lines to advance bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting the Bay and nationwide conservation efforts.

The following previously introduced or co-led legislation by Rep. Wittman is included in the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act:

North American Wetlands Conservation Act:

Protects waterfowl, fish, wildlife resources, and wetland habitats.

Supports local economies dependent on outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture.

Preserves American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching.

National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act:

Strengthens partnerships and projects maintaining healthy fish populations.

Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act:

Reauthorizes efforts reducing pollution in the Bay through Fiscal Year 2025.

Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Reauthorization Act:

Supports improving habitat conditions and public access.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Act:

Helps local entities rehabilitate fish and wildlife habitats within the Bay Watershed.

“This bill would extend essential programs that fund community-led projects restoring and protecting Chesapeake Bay’s fisheries,” said Chesapeake Bay Foundation Federal Director Keisha Sedlacek. “As we enter the next phase of cleanup it is critical these programs have authority provided by ACE Reauthorization Act.”

“Roughly a third of all species in the United States are at risk,” said Andrew Wilkins from National Wildlife Federation. “We’re pleased Representative Wittman leads this effort reauthorizing ACE Act supporting collaborative habitat restoration.”

“NAWCA is foundational for North American Wildlife Conservation,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “Combined with regional programs like Chesapeake WILD Act ACE helps restore habitat making communities resilient.”

"Provisions within ACE like National Fish Habitat Partnership are invaluable," said Glenn Hughes from American Sportfishing Association. "Reauthorizing these critical programs benefits waterways directly."

The bill includes measures enhancing accountability ensuring effectiveness transparency funded projects.

Prior his election Congress Wittman spent 26 years working state government recently field director Virginia Health Department's Division Shellfish Sanitation earlier career environmental health specialist local health departments Virginia's Northern Neck Middle Peninsula regions.

Read full bill text here.

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