S.2128 - Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025; MONARCH Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat Act of 2025" (MONARCH Act of 2025) aims to conserve and sustain the western population of monarch butterflies. It establishes a grant program, the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund, and directs the Secretary of the Interior to work with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to implement the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan.
The bill authorizes appropriations of $12.5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for both the Rescue Fund and the implementation of the Conservation Plan. It also mandates annual reports to Congress on the status of western monarch butterflies and the projects funded under the act.
The Act addresses the critical decline in the western monarch butterfly population and seeks to promote pollinator conservation through habitat restoration and protection.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased funding for monarch butterfly conservation projects in western states. This includes habitat restoration, community outreach, and scientific research.
It could also result in improved pollinator populations, benefiting agriculture and wildlife ecosystems. The Act also establishes a framework for ongoing monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Habitat Restoration: Restoring milkweed and nectar plants, monarch overwintering habitats, and other pollinator habitats.
- Grant Funding: Providing grants to local governments, Tribal governments, research institutions, and non-profit organizations for conservation projects.
- Conservation Planning: Updating and implementing the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan.
- Pollinator Benefits: Enhancing pollinator populations, which can improve pollination services for agriculture and wildlife ecosystems.
- Public Awareness: Increasing public awareness and education about the importance of monarch butterfly conservation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: The Act focuses solely on the western monarch butterfly population, potentially neglecting other at-risk species or regions.
- Funding Dependency: The success of the Act depends on the availability of appropriated funds, which may be subject to political and budgetary constraints.
- Administrative Overhead: A portion of the funds will be used for administrative expenses, potentially reducing the amount available for direct conservation efforts.
- Potential Conflicts: Conservation efforts may conflict with existing land use practices or food safety measures, requiring careful coordination and planning.
- Uncertain Effectiveness: The Act's effectiveness in reversing the decline of the western monarch butterfly population is not guaranteed and will depend on various factors, including climate change and habitat loss.
Constitutional Alignment
The MONARCH Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. The Act's focus on environmental conservation and the protection of a species at risk of extinction can be seen as contributing to the general welfare.
Furthermore, the Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It operates within the framework of existing environmental laws and regulations.
Congress's authority to enact this legislation stems from its enumerated powers, particularly the power to regulate interstate commerce, as the decline of pollinator populations can have significant economic impacts on agriculture.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).