Climate Legislation Tracker—Nature Protection

House of Representatives – Nature Protection

H.R.738 – Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2011 – Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.  This bill includes a requirement for the development of “sound scientific information” on coral reefs and existing large scale threats to the coral reef ecosystem, including potential threats as a result of climate change.  In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall submit to Congress by March 1, 2012, and every 5 years thereafter, a report detailing the activities undertaken to address threats to coral reefs. [H.R. 738]

  • On February 16, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
  • On February 16, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
  • On February 18, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs.

H.CON.RES.15 – Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service should incorporate consideration of global warming and sea-level rise into comprehensive conservation plans for coastal national wildlife refuges.  This bill calls for conservation plans to address how global warming and sea-level rise will affect: (1) the ecological integrity, archaeological and cultural values, and distribution, migration patterns, and abundance of fish, wildlife, and plant populations and related habitats of the refuge; (2) areas within the refuge that are suitable for use as administrative sites or visitor facilities; and (3) opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses of the refuge. [H.CON.RES. 15]

  • On February 9, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
  • On February 9, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
  • On February 10, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs.

H.RES.47 – Expressing the sense of the House regarding CITES contributions. This bill recognizes the increasing importance of CITES in addressing the threats on species and ecosystems resulting from the effect of climate change. [H.RES. 47]

  • On January 20, 2011, this bill was introduced in the House.
  • On January 20, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • On March 1, 2011, this bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

 

Senate – Nature Protection

S.46 – *Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2011 – Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.  This bill requires that the Department of Commerce, within 180 days of its enactment, submit to Congress a “national coral reef ecosystem action strategy” intended to “advance coral reef conservation.”  This action strategy shall include a discussion of climate change and its impact on coral reefs. [S.46]

S.138 – California Desert Protection Act of 2011 – Amends the California Desert Protection Act of 1994.  Climate change related provisions within this bill include authorizing the development or maintenance of “energy transport facilities” located within the Mojave Trails National Monument that are “critical to reducing the effects of climate change on the environment.”  In addition, this bill establishes requirements for the preservation of wildlife corridors and the facilitation of species migration that is likely to result from climate change. [S.138]

  • On January 25, 2011, this bill was introduced in the Senate.
  • On January 25, 2011, this bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.