WASHINGTON — The American Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act was introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and 18 other Republicans. The bill would boost the money available in a pre-existing pot that funds state- and Tribal-led wildlife conservation habitat restoration and sportsmen education programs.

Through the bill, $300 million and $20 million would pour into the state and Tribal buckets, respectively, each year for a period of five years.

Out of the funds, 10% would be available for competitive grants to incentivize innovative wildlife projects at the state and local levels.

The bill would also prohibit any use of federal funds being spent on the reintroduction or management of a species “in a manner not supported” by the state.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) expressed its support of the bill, which the association believes will empower states and Tribes to make informed decisions that best support their specific ecosystems and residents.

“Farmers and ranchers are America’s original conservationists, and their stewardship of the land has provided high-quality habitat for hundreds of wildlife species for generations,” said Sigrid Johannes, director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA director of government affairs. “Cattle producers know from firsthand experience that when it comes to wildlife conservation, locally led is best.”