When thinking of the world’s most threatened ecosystems, tropical rainforests or coral reefs likely come to mind. But the most threatened ecosystems are in the United States: native grasslands.

The U.S. Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure package this month with some welcome provisions for the land trust community. While most of the funds were for traditional infrastructure, a large portion was dedicated to ecosystem restoration and disaster mitigation.

Next month, members of Congress will return to their home states and districts to meet with constituents and discuss their policy priorities. This annual tradition, known in Washington as August recess, comes at a critical time for our community.

Following the reintroduction of the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act in Congress, we’re one step closer to halting abuse of the federal conservation easement tax incentive. But we still need to get it across the finish line.

Last week, the U.S. Senate passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act with a resounding vote of 92-8, delivering a big win for farmers and foresters in addition to the climate.

The Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act — legislation that would halt abuse in the federal conservation easement program — was reintroduced today in Congress.

Today, the Biden administration provided more clarity on its commitment to conserve 30% of our nation’s lands and waters by 2030 with the release of the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report. It is good news for land trusts.

While we are disappointed that the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act did not pass this Congress, our efforts to enact this important legislation will continue in the new year.