NATIONAL ISSUES

SCWF works closely with the National Wildlife Federation to engage our supporters on issues of national significance. SCWF monitors these issues and partners with other state affiliates of the NWF to be sure our voices are heard.  

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 3742 & S. 2372)

This bipartisan bill will dedicate $1.397 billion annually towards voluntary conservation efforts for wildlife at-risk and will prevent species from requiring the emergency room measures of the Endangered Species Act. This would be paid for by directing fees and penalties collected from environmental violations that aren’t already targeted to existing programs.

State fish and wildlife agencies will spend $1.3 billion from this bill to implement their Congressionally mandated State Wildlife Action Plans. These detailed plans incorporate science and public input and are approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

In South Carolina, this bill will send more than $14 million annually to the SC Department of Natural Resources to implement habitat restoration, wildlife management, research, and projects that support outdoor recreation. It would specifically protect habitat for important wildlife species such as the Diamondback Terrapin, American Kestrel, Painted Bunting, Black Bear, Coral Snake, and the American Eel. 

Along with many other conservation and sportsmen’s groups, SCWF thanks SC Senator Lindsey Graham for co-sponsoring this bill. The bill has passed out of committee with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

offshore drilling & seismic testing

In addition to the potential for oil spills like we’ve seen in the Gulf, seismic testing activities could have extremely detrimental impacts on our marine life, not to mention the tourism impacts of pipelines and refineries popping up on our beautiful coastline.  SCWF works with state legislators to oppose the on-shore infrastructure needed for offshore drilling, and we talk directly with our Congressional delegates to voice our opposition at the Federal level. 

America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act - 2020

The ACE Act is a comprehensive package of bills that empowers partnerships and work happening on-the-ground, and makes significant investments in wildlife conservation. From reauthorizations of programs like the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to the development of new, innovative programs to address emerging threats facing our nation’s wildlife, the passage of the ACE Act represents a win for our nation’s treasured fish and wildlife and outdoor heritage. The ACE Act became law in October 2020. Read more here.

great american outdoors act - 2020

The Great American Outdoors Act fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund. That means $900 million annually will go to preserving, creating and ensuring access to outdoor recreation for the benefit of all Americans. It also establishes a National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund to support deferred maintenance on National Parks, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Indian Education lands. This Act became law in August 2020. Read more here.