Norton Introduces Bill to Make D.C. Eligible for Same Funding as States Under Two Wildlife Conservation Laws

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a bill to make D.C. eligible for the same federal funding as states under two federal wildlife conservation laws.

"This omission and lack of parity under these Acts have serious consequences for D.C. D.C. has roughly 7,800 acres of parkland covering nearly a quarter of the city, which means it has more parkland per capita than any other city in the United States,” Norton said. “Additionally, D.C. pays the highest taxes per capita in the nation and should be eligible for the same funding as the states, including for conservation purposes. I have gotten D.C. treated as a state for the purposes of most federal funding, and this legislation is no different.”

Norton’s introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act District of Columbia Equality Act

February 26, 2024

Ms. Norton.  Mr. Speaker.

            Today, I introduce the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act District of Columbia Equality Act, which would make the District of Columbia eligible for the same federal funding as states under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act.  D.C. residents pay full federal taxes and therefore D.C. is treated as a state under federal programs, with limited exceptions, most of them simply oversights or failures to update post-home rule. 

            The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act provides funding, derived from excise taxes on sporting equipment, for five distinct purposes: program administration, wildlife restoration, basic hunter education and safety, enhanced hunter education and safety grants and multistate conservation grants.  D.C. does not receive any funding under this Act.  The Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act provides funding for sport fish restoration, aquatic education, wetlands restoration and boat-related activities.  Under this Act, states receive a minimum of one percent of the total amount apportioned, while D.C. is capped at one-third of one percent.

            This omission and lack of parity under these Acts have serious consequences for D.C.  D.C. has roughly 7,800 acres of parkland covering nearly a quarter of the city, which means it has more parkland per capita than any other city in the United States.  This bill would define “State” in these Acts to include D.C., providing D.C. with equal funding for wildlife conservation in our nation’s capital.

            I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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