Senate Dems amplify call for a biodiversity strategy

The resolution by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) calls for agencies to take steps to protect and enhance biodiversity.

December 12, 2023

Senate Democrats on Tuesday stepped up their push for a national biodiversity strategy.

The nonbinding resolution introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), with the backing of five Democratic co-sponsors, calls for a strategy that would encourage federal agencies to "identify and pursue a full range of actions" that could conserve and enhance biodiversity. The resolution also calls for establishing four-year assessments of the progress made.

“As the impacts of climate chaos become deadlier and more frequent — threatening our health, planet and future — we must continue to do all we can to protect the precious biodiversity that keeps our planet strong, balanced and healthy,” Merkley said.

Resolution backers note there currently is no overarching coordination uniting federal government, state and local efforts, along with the work being done by tribes, private landowners and nongovernmental organizations.

In the House, Democratic Reps. Joe Neguse of Colorado and Jared Huffman of California introduced a companion resolution last March. It currently has 57 co-sponsors but has not had a hearing before the Republican-controlled House Natural Resources Committee.

Neguse previously introduced the biodiversity strategy resolution in January 2021, but it never advanced during that Congress.

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By:  Michael Doyle
Source: E&E News