Costa Conservation Legislation Passes House

Press Release

Rep. Jim Costa's (CA-16) bipartisan bill, H.R. 6023 - Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation requires the United States Postal Service (USPS) to sell approximately 45 million Save Vanishing Species Stamps left in stock to raise money for wildlife conservation.   

"I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort to make it easier for Americans to support some of the most unique and vulnerable species on Earth. Purchasing this stamp is an inexpensive and voluntary way for us all to raise funds and awareness about conservation of these species, and all at no cost to the taxpayer," Costa said. "I encourage my Senate colleagues to support this effort and quickly pass this legislation." 

Rep. Costa introduced the bill with Rep. John Katko (NY-24) in November 2021. It passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee in February 2022. After today's House vote, it will now await a vote in the Senate.   

The Vanishing Species Semi-Postal Stamp is sold by the USPS at a slightly higher cost than a first-class stamp. The additional proceeds supplement the Multinational Species Conservation Funds, which support conservation efforts that save vulnerable species worldwide. Almost 51 million stamps have been sold since going on sale in 2011, raising nearly $6 million for conservation at no direct cost to U.S. taxpayers.

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