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HR8438119th CongressWALLET

Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]

Introduced

Summary

A National Wildlife Corridor System to conserve and restore habitat connectivity nationwide. This bill would map critical movement routes, set a national nomination and management process, create a grant program for non-Federal lands, and require cross-jurisdiction coordination and reporting to help species move, adapt, and maintain genetic exchange.

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  • Private landowners, Tribes, States, local governments, and nonprofit partners could receive grants and technical help to conserve or restore corridors; the bill forbids eminent domain seizures or land-use restrictions on private land without the owner’s consent.
  • Conservation planners and scientists would get coordinated mapping, data sharing, and research on climate impacts and fragmentation to guide where to protect or restore connectivity and to prioritize corridors that benefit multiple species.
  • Federal agencies would appoint coordinators, follow deadlines for regulations and reports, and work with a multi-stakeholder Coordinating Committee; the bill authorizes about $75 million a year for the grant program and about $140 million in total annual authorizations.

*Would increase federal spending by about $140 million per year, subject to annual appropriations.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Private land protections and state authority

If enacted, the bill would forbid taking private land by eminent domain under this title. It would also forbid imposing new limits on private land use without the landowner's consent. The bill would not change State or Tribal authority over fish and wildlife in National Wildlife Corridors, including rules on hunting, fishing, and trapping.

Grants for wildlife corridor projects

If enacted, the Secretary of the Interior would run a Wildlife Movement Grant Program. It would authorize $75 million each year starting in fiscal year 2026. At least 10 percent each year (at least $7,500,000) would be reserved for big-game migration or seasonal habitat projects. Beginning not later than 2 years after enactment, the Secretary would make annual grants to eligible landowners, Tribes, local governments, water districts, agricultural cooperatives, universities, Federal agencies, and partnerships using criteria from the Coordinating Committee.

Federal agency corridor funding

If enacted, the bill would authorize annual appropriations for corridor work starting in fiscal year 2026. It would authorize $20 million for Interior, $18 million for Transportation, $10 million for Agriculture, $9 million for Commerce, and $3 million for Defense each year. These funds would support corridor conservation, coordination, and transportation mitigation efforts on Federal lands and waters.

Federal habitat mapping and science

If enacted, the U.S. Geological Survey would create a Habitat Connectivity Mapping and Science Program. The program would build public maps and a database of corridors, expand data sharing, and study climate and development effects on connectivity. The bill would authorize $5 million per year starting in fiscal year 2026 and require a report to Congress within two years.

National coordinating committee and partnerships

If enacted, the Secretaries would establish a Coordinating Committee within 180 days. The committee would include agency leaders, tribal representatives, and science experts. Within a year it would make a strategy to nominate corridors, coordinate with States and Tribes, do outreach, and support regional collaborative partnerships. Secretaries could appoint regional liaisons and national coordinators to implement the plan.

Military waiver for corridor rules

If enacted, the Secretary of Defense would be able to waive any requirement of this title for a military installation when needed for readiness or mission needs. The Secretary would publish each waiver unless publication would harm national security. This would reduce some corridor conservation requirements at affected bases.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]

VA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

  • Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

  • Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 6/2/2026

  • Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 8/6/2026

  • Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

  • Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 9/3/2026

  • Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

  • Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 9/24/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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