Rep. Panetta Applauds Federal Proposal to Protect Monarch Butterflies, Highlights Conservation Work Ahead

Monterey, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) praised the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This action follows Rep. Panetta's led letterdemanding the Biden Administration take action to protect this iconic species whose remarkable migration and cultural significance are at risk due to environmental pressures. Rep. Panetta has been an outspoken leader on monarch conservation passing into law legislation to support pollinator-focused habitat restorationand continuing to lead bicameral legislationto expand their monarch preservation and protection.

The monarch butterfly has been trending toward extinction. This essential pollinator faces growing threats from the loss of milkweed and habitat, global climate change, and disease. Population counts show a decline of 85% for the eastern U.S. population that overwinters in Mexico and a decline of 95% for monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains, which overwinter in California. Thanks to federal, state, local, and private partnerships the Central Coast has seen modest success in restoring monarch populations, with 233,394 butterflies at 256 overwintering sites in 2023.

"The monarch butterfly, a symbol of resilience. renewal, and our community, is on the brink of extinction," said Rep. Panetta. "I am glad that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service heeded my calls for action and proposed significant new protections, as we work at every level to save them from the impacts of climate change. This is an important step forward that we must build upon by passing my legislation to redouble our monarch conservation efforts and support the restoration of their habitats along the Central Coast."

Rep. Panetta authored and helped pass into law the Monarch and Pollinator Highway Program as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Rep. Panetta's bill promotes pollinator-friendly practices on roadsides and highway rights-of-way, including the planting and seeding of native, locally appropriate grasses, wildflowers, and milkweed. Rep. Panetta's legislation provides funding for state departments of transportation and Native American tribes to better conserve pollinator habitats and populations. Rep. Panetta continues to fightto increase federal funding for these essential conservation efforts.

Rep. Panetta also continues to push for his bicameral Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Actwhich would authorize $62.5 million for projects aimed at conserving the western monarch and an additional $62.5 million to implement the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan.

Rep. Panetta is committed to ensuring this proposal receives robust public support. He encourages individuals to submit comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before the March 12, 2025, deadline. Information about how to submit comments can be found on regulations.gov by searching for docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137.

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