The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations’ Interior and Environment has released its appropriations bill for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. This bill includes numerous added provisions, known as "riders," that significantly weaken the protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Additionally, it reverses key progress made during the current administration in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises.

Key changes in the bill include a $144 million cut to funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which includes a 20% reduction for listing new species under the Endangered Species Act. This reduction can negatively impact manatee conservation efforts. In addition, it blocks funds for implementing the current administration’s newly finalized ESA regulations, which was recently discussed in our op-ed. Further, it blocks funding for conservation measures related to wildlife refuges, such as the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which is a critical warm water refuge for manatees during the winter months.

We ask you to send a pre-formed letter to urge appropriation committee members to oppose these changes along with any other anti-wildlife amendments.