HR4062-119

What This Bill Does

The MONARCH Act responds to the collapse of the western monarch butterfly population, citing a decline of more than 99 percent over three decades, a 2020 low of 1,914 butterflies, and fewer than 10,000 recorded in 2024. It creates a Department of the Interior grant program for local governments, Tribal governments, research institutions, nonprofits, and other qualified entities to protect and restore western monarch and pollinator habitat. It establishes the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund with $12.5 million authorized for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030, limits administrative expenses to 3 percent, directs Interior to work with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan, authorizes another $12.5 million annually for that implementation, and requires annual reports to Congress.

Who Benefits and How

Western monarch butterfly conservation groups benefit from a dedicated grant program for habitat restoration, protection, management, outreach, and education. Tribal governments within the western monarch range benefit because they are eligible grant recipients and consultation partners. Research institutions benefit because projects with expertise in monarch and pollinator conservation can receive funding. Agricultural ecosystems benefit if restored milkweed, nectar plants, and pollinator habitat improve neighboring pollination services.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Secretary of the Interior must administer grants, manage the rescue fund, coordinate with wildlife authorities, and report annually to Congress. State and federal agencies cannot lead or receive the conservation grants, although they may participate as partners. Grant applicants must document qualifications, methods, anticipated outcomes, consultation, food-safety compatibility, and conservation potential. Federal taxpayers bear the authorized spending of $25 million per year across the rescue fund and conservation-plan implementation.

Key Provisions

• Creates a western monarch butterfly conservation grant program for qualified local, Tribal, research, nonprofit, and expert entities.
• Establishes the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund and authorizes $12.5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
• Requires Interior to work with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan.
• Authorizes another $12.5 million annually for conservation-plan implementation and requires annual status reports.