Migratory Bird Protection Act Would Affirm Long-Standing Bird Protections

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Migratory Bird Protection Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), will strengthen and reaffirm long-standing protections for migratory birds and help address the impact of industrial activities that contribute to tens of millions of preventable bird deaths each year.

"America's bird populations are under unprecedented threat from a variety of hazards," said Abby Tinsley, vice president for conservation policy at the National Wildlife Federation. "The bipartisan Migratory Bird Protection Act would help address these challenges by clarifying protections passed more than a century ago while encouraging measures that will limit unnecessary deaths. Congress should act swiftly to pass this commonsense bill."

The Migratory Bird Protection Act builds on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, one of the 20th century's most successful conservation laws. The bill codifies a long-standing, bipartisan interpretation that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act applies to industrial activities that accidentally injure or kill birds; establishes a permitting system for businesses that show they are minimizing harm; and provides additional funding for bird conservation.