Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025

# Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This law delays when money earned from investments in the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund can be used for state wildlife programs. Instead of making this interest income available in 2026, the law pushes that date back to 2033—a seven-year delay. The Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund is a longstanding program that finances state-level efforts to conserve and restore wildlife habitats and manage animal populations. **Who It Affects and Why** The delay primarily affects state wildlife agencies that rely on these federal funds to pay for conservation projects and habitat restoration work. By postponing when interest earnings become available, the law essentially reduces the amount of money flowing to state programs in the short term (2026-2033).

However, this delay may allow the fund to accumulate more investment income over time, potentially providing larger amounts to states after 2033. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) and has already been signed into law.