I 
117TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 2872 
To establish an integrated national approach to respond to ongoing and 
expected effects of extreme weather and climate change by protecting, 
managing, and conserving the fish, wildlife, and plants of the United 
States, and to maximize Government efficiency and reduce costs, in 
cooperation with State, local, and Tribal Governments and other entities, 
and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 28, 2021 
Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Mr. CASE, Mr. CASTEN, Ms. CLARKE of New 
York, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mrs. DINGELL, 
Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. LYNCH, Ms. MENG, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Ms. 
NORTON, Mr. POCAN, Mr. RASKIN, Ms. SCANLON, Mr. THOMPSON of 
Mississippi, and Ms. VELA´ZQUEZ) introduced the following bill; which was 
referred to the Committee on Natural Resources 
A BILL 
To establish an integrated national approach to respond to 
ongoing and expected effects of extreme weather and 
climate change by protecting, managing, and conserving 
the fish, wildlife, and plants of the United States, and 
to maximize Government efficiency and reduce costs, in 
cooperation with State, local, and Tribal Governments 
and other entities, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Safeguarding Amer-
ica’s Future and Environment Act’’ or the ‘‘SAFE Act’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS, PURPOSES, AND POLICY. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(1) healthy, diverse, and productive commu-
nities of fish, wildlife, and plants provide significant 
benefits to the people and economy of the United 
States, including— 
(A) abundant clean water supplies; 
(B) flood and coastal storm protection; 
(C) clean air; 
(D) a source of food, fiber, medicines, and 
pollination of the crops and other plants of the 
United States; 
(E) outdoor recreation, which is a source 
of jobs and economic stimulus; 
(F) hunting and fishing opportunities and 
support for subsistence communities; 
(G) opportunities for scientific research 
and education; 
(H) world-class tourism destinations that 
support local economies; and 
(I) sequestration and storage of carbon to 
help mitigate changes to the global climate sys-
tem; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(2) the United States Geological Survey, Na-
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Na-
tional Aeronautics and Space Administration, and 
other agencies within the United States Global 
Change Research Program have observed that the 
fish, wildlife, and plants of the United States are 
facing increasing risks from changing patterns of ex-
treme weather and climate, including— 
(A) severe droughts and heatwaves; 
(B) severe storms and floods; 
(C) frequent and severe wildfires; 
(D) more frequent and severe outbreaks of 
forest pests and invasive species; 
(E) flooding and erosion of coastal areas 
due to rising sea levels; 
(F) melting glaciers and sea ice; 
(G) thawing permafrost; 
(H) shifting distributions of fish, wildlife, 
and plant populations; 
(I) disruptive shifts in the timing of fish, 
wildlife, and plant natural history cycles, such 
as blooming, breeding, and seasonal migrations; 
(J) increasing ocean temperatures and 
acidification; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(K) altered patterns of rain, snow, runoff, 
and streamflow; and 
(L) habitat loss, degradation, fragmenta-
tion, and movement; and 
(3) the Federal Government should provide 
leadership in preparing for and responding to the ef-
fects described in paragraph (2) to ensure that 
present and future generations continue to receive 
the benefits of the abundant and diverse fish, wild-
life, and plant resources of the United States. 
(b) PURPOSES.—The purpose of this Act is to estab-
lish an integrated national approach— 
(1) to respond to ongoing and expected effects 
of extreme weather and climate change by pro-
tecting, managing, and conserving the fish, wildlife, 
and plants of the United States; and 
(2) to maximize Government efficiency and re-
duce costs, in cooperation with State, local, and 
Tribal Governments and other entities. 
(c) NATIONAL FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PLANTS CLI-
MATE CHANGE ADAPTATION POLICY.—It is the policy of 
the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and 
local governments, Indian Tribes, and other interested 
stakeholders to evaluate and reduce the increased risks 
and vulnerabilities associated with climate change and ex-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
treme weather events, and to use all practicable means to 
protect, manage, and conserve healthy, diverse, and pro-
ductive fish, wildlife, and plant populations. 
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) 
ADAPTATION.—The 
term 
‘‘adaptation’’ 
means— 
(A) the process of adjustment to actual or 
expected climate and the effects of climate 
change; and 
(B) with respect to fish, wildlife, and 
plants, protection, management, and conserva-
tion efforts designed to maintain or enhance the 
ability of fish, wildlife, and plants to withstand, 
adjust to, or recover from the effects of extreme 
weather and climate change (including, where 
applicable, ocean acidification, drought, flood-
ing, and wildfire). 
(2) CENTER.—The term ‘‘Center’’ means the 
National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Cen-
ter established under section 6(a)(1). 
(3) 
COMMITTEE.—The 
term 
‘‘Committee’’ 
means the Advisory Committee on Climate Change 
and Natural Resource Sciences established under 
section 6(b)(1). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(4) ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES.—The term ‘‘eco-
logical processes’’ means biological, chemical, or 
physical interaction between the biotic and abiotic 
components of an ecosystem, including— 
(A) decomposition; 
(B) disease epizootiology; 
(C) disturbance regimes, such as fire and 
flooding; 
(D) gene flow; 
(E) hydrological cycling; 
(F) larval dispersal and settlement; 
(G) nutrient cycling; 
(H) pollination; 
(I) predator-prey relationships; and 
(J) soil formation. 
(5) HABITAT.—The term ‘‘habitat’’ means the 
physical, chemical, and biological properties that 
fish, wildlife, or plants use for growth, reproduction, 
survival, food, water, or cover (whether on land, in 
water, or in an area or region). 
(6) HABITAT CONNECTIVITY.—The term ‘‘habi-
tat connectivity’’ means areas that facilitate terres-
trial, marine, estuarine, and freshwater fish, wildlife, 
or plant movement that is necessary— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(A) for migration, gene flow, or dispersal; 
or 
(B) to respond to the ongoing and ex-
pected effects of climate change (including, 
where applicable, ocean acidification, drought, 
flooding, and wildfire). 
(7) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian Tribe’’ 
has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the 
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(e)). 
(8) NATIONAL STRATEGY.—The term ‘‘National 
Strategy’’ means the National Fish, Wildlife, and 
Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy released March 
26, 2013. 
(9) RESILIENCE; RESILIENT.—The terms ‘‘re-
silience’’ and ‘‘resilient’’ mean the ability to antici-
pate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions 
and withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from 
disruptions. 
(10) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means— 
(A) a State of the United States; 
(B) the District of Columbia; 
(C) American Samoa; 
(D) Guam; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(E) the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands; 
(F) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; 
and 
(G) the United States Virgin Islands. 
(11) WORKING
GROUP.—The term ‘‘Working 
Group’’ means the National Fish, Wildlife, and 
Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Joint Imple-
mentation Working Group established under section 
4(a). 
SEC. 4. NATIONAL FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PLANTS CLIMATE 
ADAPTATION STRATEGY JOINT IMPLEMENTA-
TION WORKING GROUP. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall es-
tablish a National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Ad-
aptation Strategy Joint Implementation Working Group 
composed of the heads of Federal and State agencies or 
departments with jurisdiction over fish, wildlife, and plant 
resources of the United States, and Tribal representatives, 
as follows: 
(1) The Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency. 
(2) The Administrator of the Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(3) The Administrator of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration. 
(4) The Chair of the Council on Environmental 
Quality. 
(5) The Chief of Engineers. 
(6) The Chief of the Forest Service. 
(7) The Commissioner of Reclamation. 
(8) The Director of the Bureau of Indian Af-
fairs. 
(9) The Director of the Bureau of Land Man-
agement. 
(10) The Director of the National Park Service. 
(11) The Director of the United States Fish 
and Wildlife Service. 
(12) The Director of the United States Geologi-
cal Survey. 
(13) The Secretary of Agriculture. 
(14) The Secretary of Defense. 
(15) State representatives from each regional 
association of State fish and wildlife agencies. 
(16) Not less than 2 Tribal representatives. 
(b) DUTIES.—The Working Group shall serve as a 
forum for interagency consultation on, and the coordina-
tion of, the development and implementation of the Na-
tional Strategy. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(c) CO-CHAIRS.—There shall be 4 co-chairs, of 
whom— 
(1) two shall be representatives of the Federal 
Government; 
(2) one shall be a representative of a State; and 
(3) one shall be a Tribal representative. 
SEC. 5. NATIONAL FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PLANTS CLIMATE 
ADAPTATION STRATEGY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Working Group shall adopt 
the National Strategy to protect, manage, and conserve 
fish, wildlife, and plants to maintain the inherent resil-
ience and adaptability of fish, wildlife, and plants to with-
stand the ongoing and expected effects of extreme weather 
and climate change. 
(b) REVIEW AND REVISION.—Not later than 1 year 
after each release of the assessment required under section 
106 of the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (15 
U.S.C. 2936), the Working Group shall— 
(1) use sound science to review and revise the 
National Strategy to incorporate— 
(A) new information regarding the ongoing 
and expected effects of climate change on fish, 
wildlife, and plants; and 
(B) advances in the development of fish, 
wildlife, and plant adaptation strategies; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(2) in carrying out paragraph (1), provide pub-
lic notice and opportunity for comment. 
(c) CONTENTS.—A revised National Strategy shall— 
(1) assess the vulnerability of fish, wildlife, and 
plants to climate change, including short-term, me-
dium-term, long-term, and cumulative impacts; 
(2) describe current observation and monitoring 
activities at the Federal, State, Tribal, and local lev-
els relating to the ongoing and expected effects of 
climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants; 
(3) identify and prioritize research and data 
needs; 
(4) identify fish, wildlife, and plants likely to 
have the greatest need for protection, restoration, 
and conservation due to the ongoing and expanding 
effects of extreme weather and climate change; 
(5) include specific protocols for integrating 
fish, wildlife, and plant adaptation strategies and ac-
tivities into the conservation and management of 
natural resources by Federal agencies to ensure con-
sistency across agency jurisdictions; 
(6) identify opportunities for maintaining, re-
storing, or enhancing fish, wildlife, and plants to re-
duce the risks of extreme weather and climate 
change on other vulnerable sectors of society; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(7) identify Federal policies and actions that 
may reduce resilience and increase the vulnerability 
of fish, wildlife, and plants to extreme weather and 
climate change; 
(8) include specific actions that Federal agen-
cies shall take to protect, conserve, and manage fish, 
wildlife, and plants to maintain the inherent resil-
ience and adaptability of fish, wildlife, and plants to 
withstand, adjust to, or recover from the ongoing 
and expected effects of climate change, including a 
timeline to implement those actions; 
(9) include specific mechanisms for ensuring 
communication and coordination— 
(A) among Federal agencies; and 
(B) between Federal agencies and State 
agencies, territories of the United States, In-
dian Tribes, private landowners, conservation 
organizations, and other countries that share 
jurisdiction over fish, wildlife, and plants with 
the United States; 
(10) include specific actions to develop and im-
plement coordinated fish, wildlife, and plants inven-
tory and monitoring protocols through interagency 
coordination and collaboration with States and local 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
governments, Indian Tribes, and private organiza-
tions; and 
(11) include procedures for guiding the develop-
ment of detailed strategy implementation plans re-
quired under section 7. 
(d) IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Consistent with other laws 
and Federal trust responsibilities concerning Indian 
land or rights of Indians under treaties with the 
United States, each Federal agency shall integrate 
the elements of the National Strategy that relate to 
conservation, management, and protection of fish, 
wildlife, and plants into agency plans, environmental 
reviews, and programs. 
(2) PUBLIC
REPORT.—The Working Group 
shall, on a biannual basis, between revisions to the 
National Strategy, make available to the public a re-
port documenting any actions implementing the 
Strategy. 
(3) COORDINATION.—The Working Group shall 
coordinate the implementation of the National Strat-
egy with Federal agencies not represented on the 
Working Group to achieve the policy of the United 
States described in section 2(c). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
SEC. 
6. 
FISH, 
WILDLIFE, 
AND 
PLANTS 
ADAPTATION 
SCIENCE AND INFORMATION. 
(a) NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE
AND WILDLIFE 
SCIENCE CENTER.— 
(1) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary of the In-
terior, in collaboration with the States, Indian 
Tribes, and other partner organizations, shall estab-
lish a National Climate Change and Wildlife Science 
Center. 
(2) DUTIES OF CENTER.—The Center shall as-
sess and develop scientific information, tools, strate-
gies, and techniques to support the Working Group, 
Federal and State agencies, Tribes, regionally based 
science and conservation centers, regional coordi-
nating entities, and other interested parties in ad-
dressing the effects of extreme weather and climate 
change on fish, wildlife, and plants. 
(3) GENERAL AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CON-
TRACTS, 
GRANTS, 
AND
COOPERATIVE
AGREE-
MENTS.—The Secretary may enter into contracts, 
grants, or cooperative agreements with State agen-
cies, State cooperative extension services, institutions 
of higher education, other research or educational 
institutions and organizations, Tribal organizations, 
Federal and private agencies and organizations, indi-
viduals, and any other contractor or recipient, to 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
further the duties under paragraph (2) without re-
gard to— 
(A) any requirements for competition; 
(B) section 6101 of title 41, United States 
Code; or 
(C) subsections (a) and (b) of section 3324 
of title 31, United States Code. 
(b) ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON CLIMATE CHANGE 
AND NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, and pursu-
ant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. App.), the Secretary of the Interior shall es-
tablish an Advisory Committee on Climate Change 
and Natural Resource Sciences. 
(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The Committee shall be 
comprised of 25 members who— 
(A) represent— 
(i) Federal agencies; 
(ii) State, local, and Tribal Govern-
ments; 
(iii) nongovernmental organizations; 
(iv) academic institutions; and 
(v) the private sector; and 
(B) have expertise in— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(i) biology (including fish, wildlife, 
plant, aquatic, coastal, and marine biol-
ogy); 
(ii) ecology; 
(iii) climate change (including, where 
applicable, ocean acidification, drought, 
flooding, and wildfire); and 
(iv) other relevant scientific dis-
ciplines. 
(3) CHAIR.—The Secretary of the Interior shall 
appoint a Committee Chair from among the mem-
bers of the Committee. 
(4) DUTIES.—The Committee shall— 
(A) advise the Working Group on the state 
of the science regarding— 
(i) the ongoing and expected effects of 
extreme weather and climate change on 
fish, wildlife, and plants; and 
(ii) scientific strategies and mecha-
nisms for fish, wildlife, and plant adapta-
tion; 
(B) identify and recommend priorities for 
ongoing research needs on the issues described 
in subparagraph (A) to inform the research pri-
orities of the Center described in subsection (a) 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
and other Federal climate science institutions; 
and 
(C) review and comment on each revised 
National Strategy before that National Strategy 
is finalized. 
(5) COLLABORATION.—The Committee shall 
collaborate with climate change and fish, wildlife, 
and plant research entities in other Federal agencies 
and departments. 
(6) AVAILABILITY TO PUBLIC.—The advice and 
recommendations of the Committee shall be made 
available to the public. 
SEC. 7. STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN. 
(a) DEVELOPMENT.—Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act and not later than 1 year 
after the date of each revision of the National Strategy, 
the Working Group shall— 
(1) complete a strategy implementation plan; 
(2) provide opportunities for public review and 
comment on the plan; and 
(3) submit the plan to the President for ap-
proval. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The strategy implementation 
plan shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(1) identify and prioritize specific conservation 
and management strategies and actions that address 
the ongoing and expected effects of extreme weather 
and climate change on fish, wildlife, and plants, in-
cluding— 
(A) protection, management, and conserva-
tion of terrestrial, marine, estuarine, and fresh-
water habitats and ecosystems; 
(B) establishment of terrestrial, marine, 
estuarine, and freshwater habitat connectivity 
corridors; 
(C) restoration and conservation of ecologi-
cal processes; 
(D) protection of a broad diversity of spe-
cies of fish, wildlife, and plant populations; and 
(E) protection of fish, wildlife, and plant 
health, recognizing that climate can alter the 
distribution and ecology of parasites, pathogens, 
and vectors; 
(2) establish methods— 
(A) to assess the effectiveness of strategies 
and conservation actions implemented by the 
agencies to protect, manage, and conserve fish, 
wildlife, and plants; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(B) to update those strategies and actions 
to respond to new information and changing 
conditions; 
(3) describe current and proposed mechanisms 
to enhance cooperation and coordination of fish, 
wildlife, and plant adaptation efforts with other Fed-
eral agencies, State and local governments, Indian 
Tribes, and nongovernmental stakeholders; 
(4) include written guidance to resource man-
agers; and 
(5) identify and assess data and information 
gaps necessary to develop fish, wildlife, and plant 
adaptation plans and strategies. 
(c) IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—On approval by the Presi-
dent, each Federal agency shall, consistent with ex-
isting authority, implement the strategy implementa-
tion plan under subsection (a)(1) through existing 
and new plans, policies, programs, activities, and ac-
tions. 
(2) CONSIDERATION
OF
EFFECTS.—To the 
maximum extent practicable and consistent with ex-
isting authority, fish, wildlife, and plant conservation 
and management decisions made by each Federal 
agency shall consider and promote resilience to the 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
ongoing and expected effects of extreme weather and 
climate change. 
(d) REVISION AND REVIEW.—Not later than 1 year 
after the National Strategy is revised under section 5(b), 
the Working Group shall review and revise the strategy 
implementation plan under subsection (a)(1) to incor-
porate the best available science, including advice and in-
formation pursuant to section 6 and other information, re-
garding the ongoing and expected effects of climate 
change on fish, wildlife, and plants. 
SEC. 8. STATE FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PLANTS ADAPTATION 
PLANS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—To be eligible to receive funds 
pursuant to subsection (d), not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act and not later than 1 year 
after the date of each revision of the National Strategy, 
each State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of 
the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, a State fish, 
wildlife, and plant adaptation plan detailing current and 
future efforts of the State to address the ongoing and ex-
pected effects of climate change on fish, wildlife, and 
plants and coastal areas within the jurisdiction of the 
State. 
(b) REVIEW OR APPROVAL.—The Secretary of the In-
terior and the Secretary of Commerce shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101a) that has 
been— 
(A) submitted to the Secretary of Agri-
culture; and 
(B) approved, or is pending approval, by 
the Secretary of Agriculture; and 
(4) in the case of a State with coastal areas, in-
clude the adaptation provisions of a Coastal Zone 
Management Plan or a Coastal and Estuarine Land 
Conservation Program Plan that has been— 
(A) submitted to the Administrator of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion; and 
(B) approved, or is pending approval, by 
the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration. 
(d) DISTRIBUTION
OF FUNDS
TO STATES.—Any 
funds made available pursuant to this Act shall be— 
(1) used to carry out activities in accordance 
with adaptation plans approved under this section; 
and 
(2) made available through— 
(A) the State and Tribal wildlife grant pro-
gram under title I of division F of the Consoli-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
dated Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 
110–161; 121 Stat. 2103); and 
(B)(i) the grant program under section 
306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1455); 
(ii) the Coastal and Estuarine Land Con-
servation Program established under title II of 
the Department of Commerce and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (16 U.S.C. 
1456d); and 
(iii) programs established under the Coop-
erative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 
U.S.C. 2101 et seq.). 
(e) PUBLIC INPUT.—In developing an adaptation 
plan, a State shall solicit and consider input from the pub-
lic and independent scientists. 
(f) COORDINATION WITH OTHER PLANS.—A State 
adaptation plan shall, where appropriate, integrate the 
goals and measures set forth in other climate adaptation, 
hazard mitigation, and fish, wildlife, and plant conserva-
tion strategies and plans. 
(g) UPDATES.—Each State adaptation plan shall be 
updated at least every 4 years. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:51 Jun 08, 2021
Jkt 019200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H2872.IH
H2872
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS