Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Act or the WILD Act
This bill reauthorizes through FY2023 the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, the Great Ape Conservation Fund, and the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund.
Federal agencies that have duties relating to invasive species management for the protection of water and wildlife must: (1) inhibit or reduce the populations of invasive species and effectuate restoration or reclamation efforts on land they manage, and (2) develop a strategic plan for implementing an invasive species program designed to achieve a substantive annual net reduction of invasive species populations or infested acreage in managed areas.
This bill amends the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000, including to authorize the Department of the Interior to award a multi-year grant for carrying out a project that is an effective, long-term conservation strategy for great apes (defined in the Act as chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and gibbons) and their habitats.
This bill amends the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 to expand eligibility for financial assistance to include: (1) a wildlife management authority of a U.S. territory, and (2) projects for the conservation of freshwater turtles and tortoises.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must establish Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prizes for: (1) prevention of wildlife poaching and trafficking, (2) promotion of wildlife conservation, (3) management of invasive species, (4) protection of endangered species, and (5) nonlethal management of human-wildlife conflicts. The bill establishes advisory boards for those prizes.
[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5885 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
115th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5885
To reauthorize the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and certain
wildlife conservation funds, to establish prize competitions relating
to the prevention of wildlife poaching and trafficking, wildlife
conservation, the management of invasive species, and the protection of
endangered species, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 18, 2018
Mr. Lowenthal (for himself and Mr. Young of Alaska) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker,
in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and certain
wildlife conservation funds, to establish prize competitions relating
to the prevention of wildlife poaching and trafficking, wildlife
conservation, the management of invasive species, and the protection of
endangered species, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Wildlife
Innovation and Longevity Driver Act'' or ``WILD Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION
Sec. 101. Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program reauthorization.
TITLE II--WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Sec. 201. Reauthorization of multinational species conservation funds.
TITLE III--PRIZE COMPETITIONS
Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the prevention of
wildlife poaching and trafficking.
Sec. 303. Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the promotion of wildlife
conservation.
Sec. 304. Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of
invasive species.
Sec. 305. Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the protection of
endangered species.
Sec. 306. Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for nonlethal management of
human-wildlife conflicts.
Sec. 307. Administration of prize competitions.
TITLE IV--FISH AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION
Sec. 401. Purpose.
Sec. 402. Amendments to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.
TITLE I--PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION
SEC. 101. PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION.
Section 5 of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act (16 U.S.C.
3774) is amended by striking ``$75,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2006 through 2011'' and inserting ``$100,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2019 through 2023''.
TITLE II--WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
SEC. 201. REAUTHORIZATION OF MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUNDS.
(a) Reauthorization of the African Elephant Conservation Act.--
Section 2306(a) of the African Elephant Conservation Act (16 U.S.C.
4245(a)) is amended by striking ``2007 through 2012'' and inserting
``2019 through 2023''.
(b) Reauthorization of the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of
1997.--Section 8(a) of the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997 (16
U.S.C. 4266(a)) is amended by striking ``2007 through 2012'' and
inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
(c) Reauthorization of the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act
of 1994.--Section 10(a) of the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of
1994 (16 U.S.C. 5306(a)) is amended by striking ``2007 through 2012''
and inserting ``2019 through 2023''.
(d) Amendments to the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000.--
(1) Multiyear grants.--Section 4 of the Great Ape
Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6303) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(j) Multiyear Grants.--
``(1) Authorization.--The Secretary may award to a person
who is otherwise eligible for a grant under this section a
multiyear grant to carry out a project that the person
demonstrates is an effective, long-term conservation strategy
for great apes and the habitat of great apes.
``(2) Effect of subsection.--Nothing in this subsection
precludes the Secretary from awarding a grant on an annual
basis.''.
(2) Administrative expenses.--Section 5(b)(2) of the Great
Ape Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6304(b)(2)) is amended
by striking ``$100,000'' and inserting ``$150,000''.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 6 of the
Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6305) is amended
by striking ``2006 through 2010'' and inserting ``2019 through
2023''.
(e) Amendments to the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004.--
(1) Purpose.--Section 2(b) of the Marine Turtle
Conservation Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6601(b)) is amended--
(A) by striking so much as precedes ``the
conservation'' and inserting the following:
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
``(1) to assist'';
(B) in paragraph (1) (as designated by the
amendment made by subparagraph (A))--
(i) by inserting ``and territories of the
United States'' after ``foreign countries'';
and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) to provide assistance for projects to assist in the
conservation of other species of the order Testudine.''.
(2) Definitions.--Section 3 of the Marine Turtle
Conservation Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6602) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``marine turtles in foreign
countries and of marine turtles in those
habitats'' and inserting ``marine turtles and
freshwater turtles and tortoises in foreign
countries and territories of the United States
and of marine turtles and freshwater turtles
and tortoises in those habitats''; and
(ii) in each of subparagraphs (D)(ii),
(E)(i), (E)(ii), and (F), by striking ``marine
turtles'' each place it appears and inserting
``marine turtles and freshwater turtles and
tortoises'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as
paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively;
(C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Freshwater turtle and tortoise.--
``(A) In general.--The term `freshwater turtle and
tortoise' means a member of the order Testudines--
``(i) that is not a marine turtle; and
``(ii) that is listed as vulnerable,
endangered, or critically endangered on the
International Union for the Conservation of
Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.
``(B) Inclusions.--The term `freshwater turtle and
tortoise' includes--
``(i) any live animal described in
subparagraph (A), and any part, product, egg,
or offspring of such an animal; and
``(ii) a carcass of an animal described in
subparagraph (A).''.
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Territory of the united states.--The term `territory
of the United States' means--
``(A) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
``(B) Guam;
``(C) American Samoa;
``(D) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands;
``(E) the United States Virgin Islands; and
``(F) any other territory or possession of the
United States.''.
(3) Marine turtle conservation assistance.--Section 4 of
the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6603) is
amended--
(A) in the section heading, by inserting ``and
freshwater turtle and tortoise'' after ``marine
turtle'';
(B) by striking ``marine turtles'' each place it
appears and inserting ``marine turtles and freshwater
turtles and tortoises'';
(C) by striking ``marine turtle conservation'' each
place it appears and inserting ``marine turtle and
freshwater turtle and tortoise conservation'';
(D) in subsection (b)(1)(A)--
(i) by inserting ``or a territory of the
United States'' after ``foreign country''; and
(ii) by inserting ``or freshwater turtle
and tortoise'' before ``nesting habitat''; and
(E) in subsection (d), by striking ``foreign
countries'' and inserting ``a foreign country or a
territory of the United States''.
(4) Expenditures from fund.--Section (5)(b) of the Marine
Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6604(b)) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Freshwater turtle and tortoises.--Of the amounts in
the account available for each fiscal year in excess of
$1,510,000, the Secretary may not spend less than 40 percent on
financial assistance for projects for the conservation of
freshwater turtles and tortoises.''.
(5) Administrative expenses.--Section 5(b)(2) of the Marine
Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6604(b)(2)) is
amended by striking ``$80,000'' and inserting ``$150,000''.
(6) Authorization of appropriations.--Section 7 of the
Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6606) is
amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009''
and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023''.
TITLE III--PRIZE COMPETITIONS
SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Non-federal funds.--The term ``non-Federal funds''
means funds provided by--
(A) a State;
(B) a territory of the United States;
(C) 1 or more units of local or tribal government;
(D) a private for-profit entity;
(E) a nonprofit organization; or
(F) a private individual.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(3) Wildlife.--The term ``wildlife'' has the meaning given
the term in section 8 of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(16 U.S.C. 666b).
SEC. 302. THEODORE ROOSEVELT GENIUS PRIZE FOR THE PREVENTION OF
WILDLIFE POACHING AND TRAFFICKING.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Prevention of
Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking Technology Advisory Board
established by subsection (c)(1).
(2) Prize competition.--The term ``prize competition''
means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the prevention of
wildlife poaching and trafficking established under subsection
(b).
(b) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a
prize competition, to be known as the ``Theodore Roosevelt Genius
Prize'' for the prevention of wildlife poaching and trafficking--
(1) to encourage technological innovation with the
potential to advance the mission of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service with respect to the prevention of wildlife
poaching and trafficking; and
(2) to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological
advancement that prevents wildlife poaching and trafficking.
(c) Advisory Board.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board,
to be known as the ``Prevention of Wildlife Poaching and
Trafficking Technology Advisory Board''.
(2) Composition.--The Board shall be composed of not fewer
than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide
expertise in--
(A) wildlife trafficking and trade;
(B) wildlife conservation and management;
(C) biology;
(D) technology development;
(E) engineering;
(F) economics;
(G) business development and management; and
(H) any other discipline, as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of
this section.
(3) Duties.--Subject to paragraph (4), with respect to the
prize competition, the Board shall--
(A) select a topic;
(B) issue a problem statement;
(C) advise the Secretary on any opportunity for
technological innovation to prevent wildlife poaching
and trafficking; and
(D) advise winners of the Theodore Roosevelt Genus
Prize for the Prevention of Wildlife Poaching and
Trafficking on opportunities to pilot and implement
winning technologies in the field, including in
partnership with conservation organizations, State and
Federal agencies, private sector companies, and
research institutions with expertise or interest (or
both) in the prevention of wildlife poaching and
trafficking.
(4) Consultation.--In selecting a topic and issuing a
problem statement for the prize competition under subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (3), respectively, the Board shall
consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders,
including--
(A) 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction
over the prevention of wildlife poaching and
trafficking;
(B) 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over
the prevention of wildlife poaching and trafficking;
(C) 1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife
organizations, the mission of which relates to the
prevention of wildlife poaching and trafficking; and
(D) 1 or more wildlife conservation groups,
technology companies, research institutions,
institutions of higher education, industry
associations, or individual stakeholders with an
interest in the prevention of wildlife poaching and
trafficking.
(5) Requirements.--The Board shall comply with all
requirements under section 307(a).
(d) Agreement With the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into an
agreement under which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
shall administer the prize competition.
(2) Requirements.--An agreement entered into under
paragraph (1) shall comply with all requirements under section
307(b).
(e) Judges.--
(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint not fewer
than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in paragraph (2),
select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition.
(2) Determination by the secretary.--The judges appointed
under paragraph (1) shall not select any annual winner of the
prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that,
in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements
entered into the prize competition merits an award.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which a cash prize is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate
and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
a report on the prize competition that includes--
(1) a statement by the Board that describes the activities
carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in
subsection (c)(3);
(2) if the Secretary has entered into an agreement under
subsection (d)(1), a statement by the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation that describes the activities carried out
by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation relating to the
duties described in section 307(b); and
(3) a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under
subsection (e) that explains the basis on which the winner of
the cash prize was selected.
(g) Termination of Authority.--The Board and all authority provided
under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2023.
SEC. 303. THEODORE ROOSEVELT GENIUS PRIZE FOR THE PROMOTION OF WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Promotion of
Wildlife Conservation Technology Advisory Board established by
subsection (c)(1).
(2) Prize competition.--The term ``prize competition''
means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the promotion of
wildlife conservation established under subsection (b).
(b) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a
prize competition, to be known as the ``Theodore Roosevelt Genius
Prize'' for the promotion of wildlife conservation--
(1) to encourage technological innovation with the
potential to advance the mission of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service with respect to the promotion of wildlife
conservation; and
(2) to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological
advancement that promotes wildlife conservation.
(c) Advisory Board.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board,
to be known as the ``Promotion of Wildlife Conservation
Technology Advisory Board''.
(2) Composition.--The Board shall be composed of not fewer
than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide
expertise in--
(A) wildlife conservation and management;
(B) biology;
(C) technology development;
(D) engineering;
(E) economics;
(F) business development and management; and
(G) any other discipline, as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of
this section.
(3) Duties.--Subject to paragraph (4), with respect to the
prize competition, the Board shall--
(A) select a topic;
(B) issue a problem statement;
(C) advise the Secretary on any opportunity for
technological innovation to promote wildlife
conservation; and
(D) advise winners of the Theodore Roosevelt Genus
Prize for the Prevention of Wildlife Poaching and
Trafficking on opportunities to pilot and implement
winning technologies in the field, including in
partnership with conservation organizations, State and
Federal agencies, private sector companies, and
research institutions with expertise or interest (or
both) in the promotion of wildlife conservation.
(4) Consultation.--In selecting a topic and issuing a
problem statement for the prize competition under subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (3), respectively, the Board shall
consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders,
including--
(A) 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction
over the promotion of wildlife conservation;
(B) 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over
the promotion of wildlife conservation;
(C) 1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife
organizations, the mission of which relates to the
promotion of wildlife conservation; and
(D) 1 or more wildlife conservation groups,
technology companies, research institutions,
institutions of higher education, industry
associations, or individual stakeholders with an
interest in the promotion of wildlife conservation.
(5) Requirements.--The Board shall comply with all
requirements under section 307(a).
(d) Agreement With the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into an
agreement under which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
shall administer the prize competition.
(2) Requirements.--An agreement entered into under
paragraph (1) shall comply with all requirements under section
307(b).
(e) Judges.--
(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint not fewer
than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in paragraph (2),
select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition.
(2) Determination by the secretary.--The judges appointed
under paragraph (1) shall not select any annual winner of the
prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that,
in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements
entered into the prize competition merits an award.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which a cash prize is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate
and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
a report on the prize competition that includes--
(1) a statement by the Board that describes the activities
carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in
subsection (c)(3);
(2) if the Secretary has entered into an agreement under
subsection (d)(1), a statement by the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation that describes the activities carried out
by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation relating to the
duties described in section 307(b); and
(3) a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under
subsection (e) that explains the basis on which the winner of
the cash prize was selected.
(g) Termination of Authority.--The Board and all authority provided
under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2023.
SEC. 304. THEODORE ROOSEVELT GENIUS PRIZE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF
INVASIVE SPECIES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Management of
Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board established by
subsection (c)(1).
(2) Prize competition.--The term ``prize competition''
means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of
invasive species established under subsection (b).
(b) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a
prize competition, to be known as the ``Theodore Roosevelt Genius
Prize'' for the management of invasive species--
(1) to encourage technological innovation with the
potential to advance the mission of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service with respect to the management of invasive
species; and
(2) to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological
advancement that manages invasive species.
(c) Advisory Board.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board,
to be known as the ``Management of Invasive Species Technology
Advisory Board''.
(2) Composition.--The Board shall be composed of not fewer
than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide
expertise in--
(A) invasive species;
(B) biology;
(C) technology development;
(D) engineering;
(E) economics;
(F) business development and management; and
(G) any other discipline, as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of
this section.
(3) Duties.--Subject to paragraph (4), with respect to the
prize competition, the Board shall--
(A) select a topic;
(B) issue a problem statement;
(C) advise the Secretary on any opportunity for
technological innovation to manage invasive species;
and
(D) advise winners of the Theodore Roosevelt Genus
Prize for the Prevention of Wildlife Poaching and
Trafficking on opportunities to pilot and implement
winning technologies in the field, including in
partnership with conservation organizations, State and
Federal agencies, private sector companies, and
research institutions with expertise or interest (or
both) in the management of invasive species.
(4) Consultation.--In selecting a topic and issuing a
problem statement for the prize competition under subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (3), respectively, the Board shall
consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders,
including--
(A) 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction
over the management of invasive species;
(B) 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over
the management of invasive species;
(C) 1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife
organizations, the mission of which relates to the
management of invasive species; and
(D) 1 or more wildlife conservation groups,
technology companies, research institutions,
institutions of higher education, industry
associations, or individual stakeholders with an
interest in the management of invasive species.
(5) Requirements.--The Board shall comply with all
requirements under section 307(a).
(d) Agreement With the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into an
agreement under which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
shall administer the prize competition.
(2) Requirements.--An agreement entered into under
paragraph (1) shall comply with all requirements under section
307(b).
(e) Judges.--
(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint not fewer
than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in paragraph (2),
select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition.
(2) Determination by the secretary.--The judges appointed
under paragraph (1) shall not select any annual winner of the
prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that,
in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements
entered into the prize competition merits an award.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which a cash prize is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate
and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
a report on the prize competition that includes--
(1) a statement by the Board that describes the activities
carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in
subsection (c)(3);
(2) if the Secretary has entered into an agreement under
subsection (d)(1), a statement by the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation that describes the activities carried out
by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation relating to the
duties described in section 307(b); and
(3) a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under
subsection (e) that explains the basis on which the winner of
the cash prize was selected.
(g) Termination of Authority.--The Board and all authority provided
under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2023.
SEC. 305. THEODORE ROOSEVELT GENIUS PRIZE FOR THE PROTECTION OF
ENDANGERED SPECIES.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Protection of
Endangered Species Technology Advisory Board established by
subsection (c)(1).
(2) Prize competition.--The term ``prize competition''
means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the protection of
endangered species established under subsection (b).
(b) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a
prize competition, to be known as the ``Theodore Roosevelt Genius
Prize'' for the protection of endangered species--
(1) to encourage technological innovation with the
potential to advance the mission of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service with respect to the protection of endangered
species; and
(2) to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological
advancement that protects endangered species.
(c) Advisory Board.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board,
to be known as the ``Protection of Endangered Species
Technology Advisory Board''.
(2) Composition.--The Board shall be composed of not fewer
than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide
expertise in--
(A) endangered species;
(B) biology;
(C) technology development;
(D) engineering;
(E) economics;
(F) business development and management; and
(G) any other discipline, as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of
this section.
(3) Duties.--Subject to paragraph (4), with respect to the
prize competition, the Board shall--
(A) select a topic;
(B) issue a problem statement;
(C) advise the Secretary on any opportunity for
technological innovation to protect endangered species;
and
(D) advise winners of the Theodore Roosevelt Genus
Prize for the Protection of Endangered Species on
opportunities to pilot and implement winning
technologies in the field, including in partnership
with conservation organizations, State and Federal
agencies, private sector companies, and research
institutions with expertise or interest (or both) in
the protection of endangered species.
(4) Consultation.--In selecting a topic and issuing a
problem statement for the prize competition under subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (3), respectively, the Board shall
consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders,
including--
(A) 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction
over the protection of endangered species;
(B) 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over
the protection of endangered species;
(C) 1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife
organizations, the mission of which relates to the
protection of endangered species; and
(D) 1 or more wildlife conservation groups,
technology companies, research institutions,
institutions of higher education, industry
associations, or individual stakeholders with an
interest in the protection of endangered species.
(5) Requirements.--The Board shall comply with all
requirements under section 307(a).
(d) Agreement With the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into an
agreement under which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
shall administer the prize competition.
(2) Requirements.--An agreement entered into under
paragraph (1) shall comply with all requirements under section
307(b).
(e) Judges.--
(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint not fewer
than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in paragraph (2),
select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition.
(2) Determination by the secretary.--The judges appointed
under paragraph (1) shall not select any annual winner of the
prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that,
in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements
entered into the prize competition merits an award.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which a cash prize is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate
and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
a report on the prize competition that includes--
(1) a statement by the Board that describes the activities
carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in
subsection (c)(3);
(2) if the Secretary has entered into an agreement under
subsection (d)(1), a statement by the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation that describes the activities carried out
by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation relating to the
duties described in section 307(b); and
(3) a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under
subsection (e) that explains the basis on which the winner of
the cash prize was selected.
(g) Termination of Authority.--The Board and all authority provided
under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2023.
SEC. 306. THEODORE ROOSEVELT GENIUS PRIZE FOR NONLETHAL MANAGEMENT OF
HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Nonlethal
Management of Human-Wildlife Conflicts Technology Advisory
Board established by subsection (c)(1).
(2) Prize competition.--The term ``prize competition''
means the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the nonlethal
management of human-wildlife conflicts established under
subsection (b).
(b) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish under section 24 of the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) a
prize competition, to be known as the ``Theodore Roosevelt Genius
Prize'' for the nonlethal management of human-wildlife conflicts--
(1) to encourage technological innovation with the
potential to advance the mission of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service with respect to the nonlethal management of
human-wildlife conflicts; and
(2) to award 1 or more prizes annually for a technological
advancement that promotes the nonlethal management of human-
wildlife conflicts.
(c) Advisory Board.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established an advisory board,
to be known as the ``Nonlethal Management of Human-Wildlife
Conflicts Technology Advisory Board''.
(2) Composition.--The Board shall be composed of not fewer
than 9 members appointed by the Secretary, who shall provide
expertise in--
(A) nonlethal wildlife management;
(B) social aspects of human-wildlife conflict
management;
(C) biology;
(D) technology development;
(E) engineering;
(F) economics;
(G) business development and management; and
(H) any other discipline, as the Secretary
determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of
this section.
(3) Duties.--Subject to paragraph (4), with respect to the
prize competition, the Board shall--
(A) select a topic;
(B) issue a problem statement;
(C) advise the Secretary on any opportunity for
technological innovation to promote the nonlethal
management of human-wildlife conflicts; and
(D) advise winners of the Theodore Roosevelt Genus
Prize for the Nonlethal Management of Human-Wildlife
Conflicts on opportunities to pilot and implement
winning technologies in the field, including in
partnership with conservation organizations, State and
Federal agencies, private sector companies, and
research institutions with expertise or interest (or
both) in the nonlethal management of human-wildlife
conflicts.
(4) Consultation.--In selecting a topic and issuing a
problem statement for the prize competition under subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (3), respectively, the Board shall
consult widely with Federal and non-Federal stakeholders,
including--
(A) 1 or more Federal agencies with jurisdiction
over the management of native wildlife species at risk
due to conflict with human activities;
(B) 1 or more State agencies with jurisdiction over
the management of native wildlife species at risk due
to conflict with human activities;
(C) 1 or more State, regional, or local wildlife
organizations, the mission of which relates to the
management of native wildlife species at risk due to
conflict with human activities; and
(D) 1 or more wildlife conservation groups,
technology companies, research institutions,
institutions of higher education, industry
associations, or individual stakeholders with an
interest in the management of native wildlife species
at risk due to conflict with human activities.
(5) Requirements.--The Board shall comply with all
requirements under section 307(a).
(d) Agreement With the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into an
agreement under which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
shall administer the prize competition.
(2) Requirements.--An agreement entered into under
paragraph (1) shall comply with all requirements under section
307(b).
(e) Judges.--
(1) Appointment.--The Secretary shall appoint not fewer
than 3 judges who shall, except as provided in paragraph (2),
select the 1 or more annual winners of the prize competition.
(2) Determination by the secretary.--The judges appointed
under paragraph (1) shall not select any annual winner of the
prize competition if the Secretary makes a determination that,
in any fiscal year, none of the technological advancements
entered into the prize competition merits an award.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which a cash prize is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate
and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
a report on the prize competition that includes--
(1) a statement by the Board that describes the activities
carried out by the Board relating to the duties described in
subsection (c)(3);
(2) if the Secretary has entered into an agreement under
subsection (d)(1), a statement by the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation that describes the activities carried out
by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation relating to the
duties described in section 307(b); and
(3) a statement by 1 or more of the judges appointed under
subsection (e) that explains the basis on which the winner of
the cash prize was selected.
(g) Termination of Authority.--The Board and all authority provided
under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2023.
SEC. 307. ADMINISTRATION OF PRIZE COMPETITIONS.
(a) Additional Requirements for Advisory Boards.--An advisory board
established under section 302(c)(1), 303(c)(1), 304(c)(1), 305(c)(1),
or 306(c)(1) (referred to in this section as a ``Board'') shall comply
with the following requirements:
(1) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--A member of the Board shall serve for a
term of 5 years.
(B) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Board--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the
Board; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment was made.
(2) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date
on which all members of the Board have been appointed, the
Board shall hold the initial meeting of the Board.
(3) Meetings.--
(A) In general.--The Board shall meet at the call
of the Chairperson.
(B) Remote participation.--
(i) In general.--Any member of the Board
may participate in a meeting of the Board
through the use of--
(I) teleconferencing; or
(II) any other remote business
telecommunications method that allows
each participating member to
simultaneously hear each other
participating member during the
meeting.
(ii) Presence.--A member of the Board who
participates in a meeting remotely under clause
(i) shall be considered to be present at the
meeting.
(4) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Board shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold a
meeting.
(5) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--The Board shall
select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the
members of the Board.
(6) Administrative cost reduction.--The Board shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, minimize the administrative costs
of the Board, including by encouraging the remote participation
described in paragraph (3)(B)(i) to reduce travel costs.
(b) Agreements With the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.--Any
agreement entered into under section 302(d)(1), 303(d)(1), 304(d)(1),
305(d)(1), or 306(c)(1) shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Contents.--An agreement shall provide the following:
(A) Duties.--The National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation shall--
(i) advertise the prize competition;
(ii) solicit prize competition
participants;
(iii) administer funds relating to the
prize competition;
(iv) receive Federal funds--
(I) to administer the prize
competition; and
(II) to award a cash prize;
(v) carry out activities to generate
contributions of non-Federal funds to offset,
in whole or in part--
(I) the administrative costs of the
prize competition; and
(II) the costs of a cash prize;
(vi) in consultation with, and subject to
final approval by, the Secretary, develop
criteria for the selection of prize competition
winners;
(vii) provide advice and consultation to
the Secretary on the selection of judges under
sections 302(e), 303(e), 304(e), 305(e), 306(e)
based on criteria developed in consultation
with, and subject to the final approval of, the
Secretary;
(viii) announce 1 or more annual winners of
the prize competition;
(ix) subject to subparagraph (B), award 1
cash prize annually; and
(x) protect against unauthorized use or
disclosure by the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation of any trade secret or confidential
business information of a prize competition
participant.
(B) Additional cash prizes.--The National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation may award more than 1 cash prize
annually if the initial cash prize referred to in
subparagraph (A)(ix) and any additional cash prize are
awarded using only non-Federal funds.
(C) Solicitation of funds.--The National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation--
(i) may request and accept Federal funds
and non-Federal funds for a cash prize;
(ii) may accept a contribution for a cash
prize in exchange for the right to name the
prize; and
(iii) shall not give special consideration
to any Federal agency or non-Federal entity in
exchange for a donation for a cash prize
awarded under this section.
(c) Award Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The amount of the initial cash prize
referred to in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ix) shall be $100,000.
(2) Additional cash prizes.--On notification by the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that non-Federal funds
are available for an additional cash prize, the Secretary shall
determine the amount of the additional cash prize.
TITLE IV--FISH AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION
SEC. 401. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to protect water, oceans, coasts, and
wildlife from invasive species.
SEC. 402. AMENDMENTS TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION ACT.
(a) Short Title; Authorization.--The first section of the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661) is amended by striking ``For
the purpose'' and inserting the following:
``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AUTHORIZATION.
``(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the `Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act'.
``(b) Authorization.--For the purpose''.
(b) Protection of Water, Oceans, Coasts, and Wildlife From Invasive
Species.--The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 10. PROTECTION OF WATER, OCEANS, COASTS, AND WILDLIFE FROM
INVASIVE SPECIES.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Control.--The term `control', with respect to an
invasive species, means the eradication, suppression, or
reduction of the population of the invasive species within the
area in which the invasive species is present.
``(2) Ecosystem.--The term `ecosystem' means the complex of
a community of organisms and the environment of the organisms.
``(3) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means any
of--
``(A) a State;
``(B) the District of Columbia;
``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
``(D) Guam;
``(E) American Samoa;
``(F) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands; and
``(G) the United States Virgin Islands.
``(4) Invasive species.--
``(A) In general.--The term `invasive species'
means an alien species, the introduction of which
causes, or is likely to cause, economic or
environmental harm or harm to human health.
``(B) Associated definition.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the term `alien species', with
respect to a particular ecosystem, means any species
(including the seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological
material of the species that are capable of propagating
the species) that is not native to the affected
ecosystem.
``(C) Inclusion.--The terms `invasive species' and
`alien species' include any terrestrial or aquatic
species determined by the relevant tribal, regional,
State, or local authority to meet the requirements of
subparagraph (A) or (B), as applicable.
``(5) Manage; management.--The terms `manage' and
`management', with respect to an invasive species, mean the
active implementation of any activity--
``(A) to reduce or stop the spread of the invasive
species; and
``(B) to inhibit further infestations of the
invasive species, the spread of the invasive species,
or harm caused by the invasive species, including
investigations regarding methods for early detection
and rapid response, prevention, control, or management
of the invasive species.
``(6) Prevent.--The term `prevent', with respect to an
invasive species, means--
``(A) to hinder the introduction of the invasive
species onto land or water; or
``(B) to impede the spread of the invasive species
within land or water by inspecting, intercepting, or
confiscating invasive species threats prior to the
establishment of the invasive species onto land or
water of an eligible State.
``(7) Secretary concerned.--The term `Secretary concerned'
means--
``(A) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect
to Federal land administered by the Secretary of the
Interior through--
``(i) the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service;
``(ii) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;
``(iii) the Bureau of Land Management;
``(iv) the Bureau of Reclamation; or
``(v) the National Park Service; and
``(B) the head or a representative of any other
Federal agency the duties of whom require planning
relating to, and the treatment of, invasive species for
the purpose of protecting water and wildlife on land
and coasts and in oceans and water.
``(8) Species.--The term `species' means a group of
organisms, all of which--
``(A) have a high degree of genetic similarity;
``(B) are morphologically distinct;
``(C) generally--
``(i) interbreed at maturity only among
themselves; and
``(ii) produce fertile offspring; and
``(D) show persistent differences from members of
allied groups of organisms.
``(b) Control and Management.--Each Secretary concerned shall plan
and carry out activities on land directly managed by the Secretary
concerned to protect water and wildlife by controlling and managing
invasive species--
``(1) to inhibit or reduce the populations of invasive
species; and
``(2) to effectuate restoration or reclamation efforts.
``(c) Strategic Plan.--
``(1) In general.--Each Secretary concerned shall develop a
strategic plan for the implementation of the invasive species
program to achieve, to the maximum extent practicable, a
substantive annual net reduction of invasive species
populations or infested acreage on land or water managed by the
Secretary concerned.
``(2) Coordination.--Each strategic plan under paragraph
(1) shall be developed--
``(A) in coordination with affected--
``(i) eligible States;
``(ii) political subdivisions of eligible
States; and
``(iii) federally recognized Indian tribes;
and
``(B) in accordance with the priorities established
by 1 or more Governors of the eligible States in which
an ecosystem affected by an invasive species is
located.
``(3) Factors for consideration.--In developing a strategic
plan under this subsection, the Secretary concerned shall take
into consideration the economic and ecological costs of action
or inaction, as applicable.
``(d) Cost-Effective Methods.--In selecting a method to be used to
control or manage an invasive species as part of a specific control or
management project conducted as part of a strategic plan developed
under subsection (c), the Secretary concerned shall prioritize the use
of methods that--
``(1) effectively control and manage invasive species, as
determined by the Secretary concerned, based on sound
scientific data;
``(2) minimize environmental impacts; and
``(3) control and manage invasive species in the least
costly manner.
``(e) Comparative Economic Assessment.--To achieve compliance with
subsection (d), the Secretary concerned shall require a comparative
economic assessment of invasive species control and management methods
to be conducted.
``(f) Expedited Action.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretaries concerned shall use all
tools and flexibilities available (as of the date of enactment
of this section) to expedite the projects and activities
described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Description of projects and activities.--A project or
activity referred to in paragraph (1) is a project or
activity--
``(A) to protect water or wildlife from an invasive
species that, as determined by the Secretary concerned
is, or will be, carried out on land or water that is--
``(i) directly managed by the Secretary
concerned; and
``(ii) located in an area that is--
``(I) at high risk for the
introduction, establishment, or spread
of invasive species; and
``(II) determined by the Secretary
concerned to require immediate action
to address the risk identified in
subclause (I); and
``(B) carried out in accordance with applicable
agency procedures, including any applicable--
``(i) land or resource management plan; or
``(ii) land use plan.
``(g) Allocation of Funding.--Of the amount appropriated or
otherwise made available to each Secretary concerned for a fiscal year
for programs that address or include protection of land or water from
an invasive species, the Secretary concerned shall use not less than 75
percent for on-the-ground control and management of invasive species,
which may include--
``(1) the purchase of necessary products, equipment, or
services to conduct that control and management;
``(2) the use of integrated pest management options,
including options that use pesticides authorized for sale,
distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.);
``(3) the use of biological control agents that are proven
to be effective to reduce invasive species populations;
``(4) the use of revegetation or cultural restoration
methods designed to improve the diversity and richness of
ecosystems;
``(5) the use of monitoring and detection activities for
invasive species, including equipment, detection dogs, and
mechanical devices;
``(6) the use of appropriate methods to remove invasive
species from a vehicle or vessel capable of conveyance; or
``(7) the use of other effective mechanical or manual
control methods.
``(h) Investigations, Outreach, and Public Awareness.--Of the
amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each Secretary
concerned for a fiscal year for programs that address or include
protection of land or water from an invasive species, the Secretary
concerned may use not more than 15 percent for investigations,
development activities, and outreach and public awareness efforts to
address invasive species control and management needs.
``(i) Administrative Costs.--Of the amount appropriated or
otherwise made available to each Secretary concerned for a fiscal year
for programs that address or include protection of land or water from
an invasive species, not more than 10 percent may be used for
administrative costs incurred to carry out those programs, including
costs relating to oversight and management of the programs,
recordkeeping, and implementation of the strategic plan developed under
subsection (c).
``(j) Reporting Requirements.--Not later than 60 days after the end
of the second fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this
section, each Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report--
``(1) describing the use by the Secretary concerned during
the 2 preceding fiscal years of funds for programs that address
or include invasive species management; and
``(2) specifying the percentage of funds expended for each
of the purposes specified in subsections (g), (h), and (i).
``(k) Relation to Other Authority.--
``(1) Other invasive species control, prevention, and
management authorities.--Nothing in this section precludes the
Secretary concerned from pursuing or supporting, pursuant to
any other provision of law, any activity regarding the control,
prevention, or management of an invasive species, including
investigations to improve the control, prevention, or
management of the invasive species.
``(2) Public water supply systems.--Nothing in this section
authorizes the Secretary concerned to suspend any water
delivery or diversion, or otherwise to prevent the operation of
a public water supply system, as a measure to control, manage,
or prevent the introduction or spread of an invasive species.
``(l) Use of Partnerships.--Subject to the subsections (m) and (n),
the Secretary concerned may enter into any contract or cooperative
agreement with another Federal agency, an eligible State, a political
subdivision of an eligible State, or a private individual or entity to
assist with the control and management of an invasive species.
``(m) Memorandum of Understanding.--
``(1) In general.--As a condition of a contract or
cooperative agreement under subsection (l), the Secretary
concerned and the applicable Federal agency, eligible State,
political subdivision of an eligible State, or private
individual or entity shall enter into a memorandum of
understanding that describes--
``(A) the nature of the partnership between the
parties to the memorandum of understanding; and
``(B) the control and management activities to be
conducted under the contract or cooperative agreement.
``(2) Contents.--A memorandum of understanding under this
subsection shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
``(A) A prioritized listing of each invasive
species to be controlled or managed.
``(B) An assessment of the total acres of land or
area of water infested by the invasive species.
``(C) An estimate of the expected total acres of
land or area of water infested by the invasive species
after control and management of the invasive species is
attempted.
``(D) A description of each specific, integrated
pest management option to be used, including a
comparative economic assessment to determine the least
costly method.
``(E) Any map, boundary, or Global Positioning
System coordinates needed to clearly identify the area
in which each control or management activity is
proposed to be conducted.
``(F) A written assurance that each partner will
comply with section 15 of the Federal Noxious Weed Act
of 1974 (7 U.S.C. 2814).
``(3) Coordination.--If a partner to a contract or
cooperative agreement under subsection (l) is an eligible
State, political subdivision of an eligible State, or private
individual or entity, the memorandum of understanding under
this subsection shall include a description of--
``(A) the means by which each applicable control or
management effort will be coordinated; and
``(B) the expected outcomes of managing and
controlling the invasive species.
``(4) Public outreach and awareness efforts.--If a contract
or cooperative agreement under subsection (l) involves any
outreach or public awareness effort, the memorandum of
understanding under this subsection shall include a list of
goals and objectives for each outreach or public awareness
effort that have been determined to be efficient to inform
national, regional, State, or local audiences regarding
invasive species control and management.
``(n) Investigations.--The purpose of any invasive species-related
investigation carried out under a contract or cooperative agreement
under subsection (l) shall be--
``(1) to develop solutions and specific recommendations for
control and management of invasive species; and
``(2) specifically to provide faster implementation of
control and management methods.
``(o) Coordination With Affected Local Governments.--Each project
and activity carried out pursuant to this section shall be coordinated
with affected local governments in a manner that is consistent with
section 202(c)(9) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1712(c)(9)).''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line