,,ii #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #abjb ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,june #bj1 #bjac ,mr4 ,whitehouse 7for himself and ,mr4 ,baucus7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works ,a ,,bill ,to establish an integrated ,federal program to respond to ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change by protecting1 restoring1 and conserving the natural resources of the ,united ,states1 and to maximize government efficiency and reduce costs1 in cooperation with ,state1 local1 and tribal governments and other entities4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,safeguarding ,america's ,future and ,environment ,act or the ,,safe ,act4 #b4 ,findings1 purposes1 and policy 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 natural resources provide significant benefits to the people and economy of the ,united ,states1 including-- 7,a7 abundant clean water supplies2 7,b7 flood and coastal storm protection2 7,c7 clean air2 7,d7 a source for food1 fiber1 medicines1 and pollination of the crops and other plants of the ,united ,states2 7,e7 outdoor recreation1 which is a source of jobs and economic stimulus2 7,f7 hunting and fishing opportunities and support of subsistence communities2 7,g7 scientific research and education2 and 7,h7 world-class tourism destinations that support local economies2 7#b7 the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey1 ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration1 and other agencies within the ,united ,states ,global ,change ,research ,program have observed that the natural resources of the ,united ,states are facing increasing impacts from extreme weather and climate change1 including-- 7,a7 more frequent and severe droughts and heatwaves2 7,b7 more frequent and severe storms and floods2 7,c7 more frequent and severe wildfires2 7,d7 more frequent and severe outbreaks of forest pests and invasive species2 7,e7 flooding and erosion of coastal areas due to rising sea levels2 7,f7 melting glaciers and sea ice2 7,g7 thawing permafrost2 7,h7 shifting fish1 wildlife1 and plant population ranges2 7,i7 disruptive shifts in the timing of fish1 wildlife1 and plant natural history cycles1 such as blooming1 breeding1 and seasonal migrations2 and 7,j7 ocean acidification2 and 7#c7 the ,federal ,government should provide leadership in preparing for and responding to the impacts described in paragraph 7#b7 to ensure that present and future generations continue to receive the benefits of the abundant and diverse natural resources of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purpose of this ,act is to establish an integrated ,federal program-- 7#a7 to respond to ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change by protecting1 restoring1 and conserving the natural resources of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 to maximize government efficiency and reduce costs1 in cooperation with ,state1 local1 and tribal governments and other entities4 7c7 ,natural resources climate change adaptation policy ,it is the policy of the ,federal ,government1 in cooperation with ,state and local governments1 ,indian tribes1 and other interested stakeholders to evaluate and reduce the increased risks and vulnerabilities associated with future extreme weather events and other climate impacts in carrying out the respective missions of those entities and to use all practicable means to protect1 restore1 and conserve natural resources so that natural resources-- 7#a7 become more resilient1 adapt to1 and withstand the ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change2 and 7#b7 can continue safeguarding the communities in1 and sustaining the economy of1 the ,united ,states4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,board ,the term ,board means the ,science ,advisory ,board established under section #f7;b77#a74 7#b7 ,center ,the term ,center means the ,national ,climate ,change and ,wildlife ,science ,center established under section #f7;a77#a74 7#c7 ,corridors ,the term corridors means areas that-- 7,a7 provide connectivity1 over different time scales1 of landscapes1 habitats or potential habitats1 and ecological processes2 and 7,b7 facilitate terrestrial1 marine1 estuarine1 and freshwater fish1 wildlife1 or plant movement that is necessary-- 7i7 for migration1 gene flow1 or dispersal2 or 7ii7 to respond to the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change 7including1 where applicable1 ocean acidification1 drought1 flooding1 and wildfire74 7#d7 ,ecological processes ,the term ecological processes means biological1 chemical1 or physical interaction between the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem1 including-- 7,a7 nutrient cycling2 7,b7 pollination2 7,c7 predator-prey relationships2 7,d7 soil formation2 7,e7 gene flow2 7,f7 disease epizootiology2 7,g7 larval dispersal and settlement2 7,h7 hydrological cycling2 7,i7 decomposition2 and 7,j7 disturbance regimes1 such as fire and flooding4 7#e7 ,habitat ,the term habitat means the physical1 chemical1 and biological properties that fish1 wildlife1 or plants use for growth1 reproduction1 survival1 food1 water1 or cover 7whether on land1 in water1 or in an area or region74 7#f7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #dej;b74 7#g7 ,natural resources ,the term natural resources means land1 wildlife1 fish1 air1 water1 plants1 habitats1 and ecosystems of the ,united ,states4 7#h7 ,natural resources adaptation ,the term natural resources adaptation means the protection1 restoration1 and conservation of natural resources so that natural resources become more resilient1 adapt to1 and withstand the ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change 7including1 where applicable1 ocean acidification1 drought1 flooding1 and wildfire74 7#i7 ,panel ,the term ,panel means the ,natural ,resources ,climate ,change ,adaptation ,panel established under section #d7;a74 7#aj7 ,resilience2 resilient ,the terms resilience and resilient1 with respect to a natural resource1 mean the ability of the natural resource to recover from disturbance4 7#aa7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 a ,state of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,c7 ,american ,samoa2 7,d7 ,guam2 7,e7 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands2 7,f7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 and 7,g7 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7#ab7 ,strategy ,the term ,strategy means the ,national ,fish1 ,wildlife1 and ,plants ,climate ,adaptation ,strategy released ,march #bf1 #bjac4 #d4 ,natural resources climate change adaptation panel 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,president shall establish a ,natural ,resources ,climate ,change ,adaptation ,panel composed of the heads of ,federal agencies or departments with jurisdiction over natural resources of the ,united ,states and ,state and tribal representatives1 including-- 7#a7 the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 7#b7 the ,chief of the ,forest ,service2 7#c7 the ,director of the ,national ,park ,service2 7#d7 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 7#e7 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management2 7#f7 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey2 7#g7 the ,commissioner of ,reclamation2 7#h7 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs2 7#i7 the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency2 7#aj7 the ,chief of ,engineers2 7#aa7 the ,chair of the ,council on ,environmental ,quality1 who shall serve as ,chairperson of the ,panel2 7#ab7 the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7#ac7 ,state representatives from each regional association of ,state fish and wildlife agencies2 and 7#ad7 not less than #b tribal representatives4 7b7 ,duties ,the ,panel shall serve as a forum for interagency consultation on1 and the coordination of1 the development and implementation of the ,strategy4 #e4 ,national fish1 wildlife1 and plants climate adaptation strategy 7a7 ,in general ,the ,panel shall adopt the ,strategy to protect1 restore1 and conserve natural resources so that natural resources become more resilient1 adapt to1 and withstand the ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change4 7b7 ,review and revision ,beginning in fiscal year #bjag1 and every #d years thereafter1 the ,panel shall review and revise the ,strategy to incorporate-- 7#a7 new information regarding the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change on natural resources2 and 7#b7 new advances in the development of natural resources adaptation strategies4 7c7 ,requirements ,in revising the ,strategy1 the ,panel shall-- 7#a7 use the best available science2 and 7#b7 provide public notice and opportunity for comment from all interested stakeholders4 7d7 ,contents ,a revised ,strategy shall-- 7#a7 assess the vulnerability of natural resources to climate change1 including short-term1 medium-term1 long-term1 cumulative1 and synergistic impacts2 7#b7 describe current1 observation1 and monitoring activities at the ,federal1 ,state1 tribal1 and local levels relating to the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change on natural resources2 7#c7 identify and prioritize research and data needs2 7#d7 identify natural resources likely to have the greatest need for protection1 restoration1 and conservation due to the ongoing and expanding impacts of extreme weather and climate change2 7#e7 include specific protocols for integrating natural resources adaptation strategies and activities into the conservation and management of natural resources by ,federal agencies to ensure consistency across agency jurisdictions2 7#f7 identify opportunities for maintaining1 restoring1 or enhancing natural resources to reduce the risks of extreme weather and climate change on other vulnerable sectors of society2 7#g7 identify ,federal policies and actions that may reduce resilience and increase the vulnerability of natural resources to extreme weather and climate change2 7#h7 include specific actions that ,federal agencies shall take to protect1 conserve1 and restore natural resources to become more resilient1 adapt to1 and withstand the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change1 including a timeline to implement those actions2 7#i7 include specific mechanisms for ensuring communication and coordination-- 7,a7 among ,federal agencies2 and 7,b7 between ,federal agencies and ,state natural resource agencies1 territories of the ,united ,states1 ,indian tribes1 private landowners1 conservation organizations1 and other countries that share jurisdiction over natural resources with the ,united ,states2 7#aj7 include specific actions to develop and implement coordinated natural resources inventory and monitoring protocols through interagency coordination and collaboration with ,states and local governments1 ,indian tribes1 and private organizations2 and 7#aa7 include procedures for guiding the development of detailed agency-specific adaptation plans required under section #g4 7e7 ,implementation 7#a7 ,in general ,consistent with other laws and ,federal trust responsibilities concerning ,indian land1 each ,federal agency represented on the ,panel shall integrate the elements of the ,strategy that relate to conservation1 restoration1 and management of natural resources into agency plans1 environmental reviews1 and programs4 7#b7 ,public report ,each ,federal agency represented on the ,panel shall1 on an annual basis1 make available to the public a report documenting the actions of the agency in implementing the ,strategy4 7#c7 ,coordination ,the ,panel shall coordinate the implementation of the ,strategy with non-,panel ,federal agencies to achieve the national policy described in section #b7;c74 #f4 ,natural resources adaptation science and information 7a7 ,national climate change and wildlife science center 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of the ,interior1 in collaboration with the ,states1 ,indian tribes1 and other partner organizations1 shall establish a ,national ,climate ,change and ,wildlife ,science ,center within the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey4 7#b7 ,duties of center ,the ,center shall assess and develop scientific information1 tools1 strategies1 and techniques to be used by the ,panel1 ,federal and ,state agencies1 and other interested parties in addressing the impacts of extreme weather and climate change on natural resources4 7#c7 ,general authority to enter into contracts1 grants1 and cooperative agreements ,the ,secretary may enter into contracts1 grants1 or cooperative agreements1 for periods not to exceed #e years1 with ,state agencies1 ,state cooperative extension services1 institutions of higher education1 other research or educational institutions and organizations1 ,federal and private agencies and organizations1 individuals1 and any other contractor or recipient1 to further the duties under paragraph 7#b7 without regard to-- 7,a7 any requirements for competition2 7,b7 section #faja of title #da1 ,united ,states ,code2 or 7,c7 subsections 7a7 and 7b7 of section #ccbd of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code4 7b7 ,science advisory board 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,commerce and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall establish and appoint the members of a ,science ,advisory ,board4 7#b7 ,membership ,the ,board shall be comprised of not fewer than #aj and not more than #bj members-- 7,a7 who have expertise in biology 7including fish1 wildlife1 plant1 aquatic1 coastal1 and marine biology71 ecology1 climate change 7including1 where applicable1 ocean acidification1 drought1 flooding1 and wildfire71 and other relevant scientific disciplines2 7,b7 who are scientists that represent a balanced membership among ,federal1 ,state1 tribal1 and local representatives1 institutions of higher education1 and other interested parties2 and 7,c7 of whom at least #a_/b shall be recommended by the ,president of the ,national ,academy of ,sciences4 7#c7 ,duties ,the ,board shall-- 7,a7 advise the ,panel on the state of the science regarding-- 7i7 the ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change on natural resources2 and 7ii7 scientific strategies and mechanisms for natural resources adaptation2 7,b7 identify and recommend priorities for ongoing research needs on the issues described in subparagraph 7,a7 to inform the research priorities of the ,center described in subsection 7a7 and other ,federal climate science institutions2 and 7,c7 review and comment on each revised ,strategy before that ,strategy is finalized4 7#d7 ,collaboration ,the ,board shall collaborate with climate change and ecosystem research entities in other ,federal agencies and departments4 7#e7 ,availability to public ,the advice and recommendations of the ,board shall be made available to the public4 #g4 ,federal natural resource agency adaptation plans 7a7 ,development ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and not later than #a year after the date of each revision of the ,strategy1 each ,federal agency with representation on the ,panel shall-- 7#a7 complete a natural resources adaptation plan for that ,federal agency that is consistent with the revised ,strategy2 7#b7 detail the ongoing and expanding proposed actions of the ,federal agency1 and any changes in decisionmaking processes necessary to increase the ability of resources under the jurisdiction of the agency2 7#c7 provide opportunities for public review and comment on the plan2 7#d7 coordinate with the plan of each other ,federal agency with representation on the ,panel2 and 7#e7 submit the plan to the ,president for approval4 7b7 ,requirements ,each adaptation plan shall-- 7#a7 identify and prioritize specific conservation strategies and actions that address the ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change on natural resources under the jurisdiction of the department or agency preparing the plan1 including-- 7,a7 protection1 restoration1 and conservation of natural resources to become more resilient1 adapt to1 and better withstand the impacts of extreme weather and climate change2 and 7,b7 protection of habitats and ecosystems1 the diversity of native fish1 wildlife1 and plant populations1 and wildlife corridors1 including-- 7i7 protection1 restoration1 and conservation of terrestrial1 marine1 estuarine1 and freshwater habitats and ecosystems2 7ii7 establishment of terrestrial1 marine1 estuarine1 and freshwater corridors2 7iii7 restoration and conservation of ecological processes2 7iv7 protection of a broad diversity of native species of fish1 wildlife1 and plant populations across the ranges of those species2 and 7v7 protection of fish1 wildlife1 and plant health1 recognizing that climate can alter the distribution and ecology of parasites1 pathogens1 and vectors2 7#b7 describe how the agency will-- 7,a7 integrate the strategies and conservation activities into plans1 programs1 activities1 and actions of the agency relating to the conservation and management of natural resources2 7,b7 establish new plans1 programs1 activities1 and actions1 if necessary2 7,c7 maintain or restore corridors2 and 7,d7 minimize the impacts of energy1 development1 water1 transportation1 and transmission projects and other activities on wildlife and wildlife habitat2 7#c7 establish methods-- 7,a7 to assess the effectiveness of strategies and conservation actions the agency takes to protect1 restore1 and conserve natural resources so natural resources become more resilient1 adapt to1 and withstand the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change2 and 7,b7 to update those strategies and actions to respond to new information and changing conditions2 7#d7 describe current and proposed mechanisms to enhance cooperation and coordination of natural resources adaptation efforts with other ,federal agencies1 ,state and local governments1 ,indian tribes1 and nongovernmental stakeholders2 7#e7 include written guidance to resource managers2 and 7#f7 identify and assess data and information gaps necessary to develop natural resources adaptation plans and strategies4 7c7 ,implementation 7#a7 ,in general ,on approval by the ,president1 each ,federal agency with representation on the ,panel shall1 consistent with existing authority1 implement the adaptation plan of the agency through existing and new plans1 policies1 programs1 activities1 and actions4 7#b7 ,consideration of impacts ,to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with existing authority1 natural resource management decisions made by each ,federal agency with representation on the ,panel shall-- 7,a7 consider the ongoing and expected impacts of extreme weather and climate change on natural resources2 and 7,b7 select alternatives that will avoid and minimize those impacts and promote resilience4 7d7 ,revision and review ,not later than #d years after the date of implementation of the adaptation plan of a ,federal agency1 and every #d years thereafter1 the ,federal agency shall review and revise the adaptation plan to incorporate the best available science1 including advice and information pursuant to section #f and other information1 regarding the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change on natural resources4 #h4 ,state natural resources adaptation plans 7a7 ,requirement ,to be eligible to receive funds pursuant to subsection 7d71 not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and not later than #a year after the date of each revision of the ,strategy1 each ,state shall prepare and submit to the ,secretary of the ,interior and1 as applicable1 the ,secretary of ,commerce1 a ,state natural resources adaptation plan detailing current and future efforts of the ,state to address the ongoing and expected impacts of climate change on natural resources and coastal areas within the jurisdiction of the ,state4 7b7 ,review or approval ,the ,secretary of the ,interior and1 as applicable1 the ,secretary of ,commerce shall-- 7#a7 review each ,state adaptation plan2 and 7#b7 approve a ,state adaptation plan if the plan-- 7,a7 meets the requirements of subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 is consistent with the ,strategy4 7c7 ,contents ,a ,state adaptation plan shall-- 7#a7 meet the requirements described in section #g7;b72 7#b7 include the adaptation provisions of any ,state comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy 7or ,state wildlife action plan7 that has been-- 7,a7 submitted to the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 and 7,b7 approved1 or is pending approval1 by the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 7#c7 include the adaptation provisions of a statewide assessment and strategy for forest resources required under section #b;,a of the ,cooperative ,forestry ,assistance ,act of #aigh 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baja;a7 that has been-- 7,a7 submitted to the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 and 7,b7 approved1 or is pending approval1 by the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 and 7#d7 include the adaptation provisions of a ,coastal ,zone ,management ,plan or a ,coastal and ,estuarine ,land ,conservation ,program ,plan that has been-- 7,a7 submitted to the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 and 7,b7 approved1 or is pending approval1 by the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7d7 ,distribution of funds to ,states ,any funds made available pursuant to this ,act shall be-- 7#a7 used to carry out natural resources adaptation activities in accordance with adaptation plans approved under this section2 and 7#b7 made available through-- 7,a7 the ,state and tribal wildlife grant program under title ,i of division ,f of the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjh 7,public ,law #aaj-afa2 #aba ,stat4 #bajc72 and 7,b7 7i7 the grant program under section #cjf of the ,coastal ,zone ,management ,act of #aigb 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #adee72 and 7ii7 the ,coastal and ,estuarine ,land ,conservation ,program established under title ,,ii of the ,department of ,commerce and ,related ,agencies ,appropriations ,act1 #bjjb 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #adef;d74 7e7 ,public input ,in developing an adaptation plan1 a ,state shall solicit and consider input from the public and independent scientists4 7f7 ,coordination with other plans ,a ,state adaptation plan shall1 where appropriate1 integrate the goals and measures set forth in other natural resources conservation strategies and plans4 7g7 ,updates ,each ,state adaptation plan shall be updated at least every #d years4 #i4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this ,act such sums as are necessary4