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Rep. Don Young Introduces Bill To Aid The Recovery Of The Bald Eagle Population
“Alaska alone is the home to more than half the world’s bald eagle population and we need to ensure that they continue to thrive in the future.” -Rep. Young


Washington, D.C., May 24 -

  Legislation that will help fund research and education programs important to the continued recovery of the American Bald Eagle has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Alaska Congressman Don Young.

“The American Bald Eagle Commemorative Coin Program Amendments of 2007” (H.R. 2393) amends the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act so that all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be distributed to various foundations supporting the American Eagle - including the American Bald Eagle Foundation of Haines, Alaska.



“The American bald eagle is a national treasure,” said Young.  “It was designated as the national symbol of the United States by our founding fathers, and has become a visible icon of our freedom and democracy.  The original bill passed in the 108th Congress was for the purpose of celebrating and commemorating the recovery and restoration of this important symbol of our country.  Thanks to many conservation efforts, the populations have since increased significantly.



“With this modification to that act, we are taking it one step further.  Money raised from the sale of this coin will go directly to bald eagle research and education programs, and will benefit the eagle populations throughout the nation and Alaska.  Alaska alone is the home to more than half the world’s bald eagle population and we need to ensure that they continue to thrive in the future.  Directing funds from this commemorative coin to their conservation is a very good way we can accomplish this goal.”



In 1973, the bald eagle was classified as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  In 1995, it was upgraded to “threatened”, a positive move symbolizing the revitalization of its population.  It is likely that the bald eagle will be officially de-listed in 2008, as their populations continue to prosper.  Today there are more than 9,000 breeding pairs of eagles in the United States, not counting the more than 30,000 bald eagles in Alaska.  The American Bald Eagle Foundation, which was established more than 25 years ago, is an educational institution dedicated to preserving eagle habitat.  It is located in Haines, Alaska, which has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world.    



For more information, access the Committee on Natural Resources’ Minority website at:


http://republicans.resourcescommittee.house.gov/index.shtml


           


 


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