U.S. Sen. Rick Scott introduced legislation aimed at speeding up federal approval for state-level wildlife conservation plans, establishing a strict 180-day deadline for federal action.
Legislation Aims to Reduce Delays
The proposed bill, titled the Make State Wildlife Action Plan Efficient (SWAPs) Act, would require the U.S. Department of the Interior to approve or address state submissions within six months. This measure serves as the Senate companion to legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, which passed the House of Representatives in December 2025.
Under current procedures, state agencies regularly draft and submit State Wildlife Action Plans to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These documents outline local management strategies for non-game species to prevent them from qualifying as threatened or endangered under federal guidelines.
Because federal regulations currently set no statutory deadline for agency reviews, state officials often face delays of a year or longer before receiving federal approval and associated funding. Proponents of the legislation argue that establishing a firm timeline will eliminate funding bottlenecks and allow conservation projects to move forward without multi-year delays.
Scott emphasized that delays in federal review undermine local conservation efforts and public expenditure efficiency. “Florida’s natural beauty, including its wildlife, is worth protecting,” Scott said. “It is unacceptable that federal bureaucracy stalls critical wildlife funding year after year, leaving Florida’s wildlife and our environment vulnerable. The American people deserve prompt and efficient use of their tax dollars. I’m glad to join Congressman Donalds to fast-track this funding and protect Florida’s wildlife.”
Donalds echoed the need for administrative accountability to support state environmental efforts. “When states do the work to protect wildlife, Washington should do its part by reviewing their plans on time,” Donalds said. “Giving agencies 180 days to act will help cut through red tape and ensure states can keep protecting the wildlife and natural resources their communities depend on. I am grateful to Senator Scott for joining this effort to get the bill across the finish line.”
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
