Bill · S.Res. 248· Senate(119-SRES-248)
A resolution expressing the need for the Federal Government to establish a national biodiversity strategy for protecting biodiversity for current and future generations.
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S3121-3122)
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Merkley
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses the need for the Federal Government to create a national biodiversity strategy. The goal is to protect biodiversity for both current and future generations. The strategy aims to ensure the conservation and restoration of ecosystems across the United States. It seeks to coordinate the actions of various Federal agencies and promote collaboration with different levels of government and stakeholders. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes addressing climate change through conservation efforts. Finally, it calls for the strategy to promote social equity and justice in conservation activities.
Yes· 3 of 17
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+9
The primary purpose of the bill is to establish a strategy to protect and restore biodiversity.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill explicitly calls for honoring Federal trust obligations and incorporating indigenous knowledge.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+7
The resolution specifically includes climate adaptation and mitigation as a core part of the strategy.
The opposite
Would farmers be better off under this?-3
Changes to land use and reduced subsidies could negatively impact traditional agricultural practices.
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
The bill may reduce certain subsidies that currently benefit certain economic sectors.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?-2
Land use restrictions for conservation might affect rural land ownership and use.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic and Security Benefits: The resolution notes that biodiversity loss threatens security, health, and well-being by causing economic harm through the loss of services like water filtration, soil replenishment, and medicinal products. Establishing a strategy could help secure these essential services. (Resolution Section 1; Whereas clauses)
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Social Equity and Justice: The strategy aims to promote social equity and justice, specifically addressing populations that have been systematically targeted for environmentally degrading activities or excluded from conservation efforts. (Resolution Section 1(A)(E); Whereas clauses)
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Protection of Indigenous Rights and Knowledge: The resolution calls for honoring Federal trust obligations to Indian Tribes and Native Americans, incorporating their unique traditional ecological knowledge and safeguarding their rights and needs. (Resolution Section 1(H); Resolution Section 2(G); Whereas clauses)
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Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: The proposed strategy includes climate adaptation and mitigation, such as establishing climate refugia and climate corridors to help species affected by climate change. (Resolution Section 2(C))
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Global Leadership and Development Goals: The strategy aims to deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and provide global leadership in addressing the biodiversity crisis. (Resolution Section 1(A)(C); Resolution Section 1(I))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Economic Shifts via Subsidies: The resolution suggests reducing subsidies that harm biodiversity. While intended to protect nature, this could impact those currently benefiting from those subsidies. (Resolution Section 2(L))
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Impact on Land Use: The strategy aims for "30x30," which involves conserving not less than 30 percent of the land and waters of the United States by 2030. This involves working with land owners and may impact how land is used. (Resolution Section 2(A); Whereas clauses)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+9Reduces Carbon Emissions+7Improves Public Land Management+6Increases Renewable Energy Investment+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+6Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+8Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Children+3Good For Farmers-3Good For Business Owners-2Good For Rural Residents-2
- Healthcare
- Improves Pandemic Preparedness+4Increases Research Funding+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+4Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- 5/22/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S3121-3122)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut