Panetta Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Critical Pollinators and the Western Monarch Butterfly
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and reintroduced two major initiatives to safeguard pollinator populations and promote ecosystem health: the Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act of 2025 and a bipartisan resolution recognizing June 16–22, 2025, as National Pollinator Week.
Since the 1980s, the population of the western monarch has plummeted by over 99%, with only 9,119 butterflies recorded across 256 sites during the 2024 overwintering season. Despite community efforts, threats from climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss continue to push this iconic species toward extinction.
“Recently, the populations of our pollinators, including our western monarch butterfly, are decreasing dramatically, which could threaten our environment and agriculture,” said Rep. Panetta. “That’s why I’m reintroducing the MONARCH Act and our Pollinator Week Resolution which would restore critical habitat, invest in science-based conservation, and raise awareness of the importance of these essential species. Protecting pollinators is a matter of environmental responsibility and agricultural resilience, and I’m committed to ensuring we do our part to save these species so central to the history and character of our home.”
The MONARCH Act, co-led by Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), would provide $125 million over five years to support the restoration and protection of western monarch butterfly habitat and to implement the Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan. The Pollinator Week Resolution, introduced with Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Senator Merkley, reaffirms the importance of pollinators like butterflies, bees, birds, and bats to American agriculture, biodiversity, and food security.
“Our monarchs are in grave danger. We’ve all experienced the moment of childhood joy and excitement when we spot a butterfly dancing in the air, and their beauty contributes to the health of our planet and the crops we rely on for sustenance, too,” said Sen. Merkley. “The monarch butterfly is in danger of extinction if we fail to take bold action to protect them, and we must all work together to advance sustainable solutions—like our MONARCH Act—to protect this iconic species and other pollinators.”
“The monarch butterfly is a vital part of our ecosystem and a symbol of the Central Coast, with groves in places like Pismo Beach and Goleta,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud to join Representative Panetta and Senator Merkley in reintroducing the MONARCH Act to restore critical habitats and ensure the survival of this iconic species for generations to come.”
“During National Pollinator Week, I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in highlighting the vital role these small but powerful creatures play in sustaining our ecosystem and economy, and in encouraging everyone to take part in efforts to protect them,” said Rep. Yakym.
The MONARCH Act is endorsed by leading environmental and conservation organizations including the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, Environment America, and the Center for Biological Diversity.
“Western monarch butterflies are in trouble as populations have declined from as many as ten million in the 1980s to less than 10,000 in 2024 – a loss of 99%,” said Scott Black, executive director of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. “The MONARCH Act will help provide the resources needed to recover western monarch populations so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy and delight in this migration for generations to come.”
“The MONARCH Act recognizes that we must act quickly if we want to save America’s most iconic butterfly from collapse,” said Stephanie Kurose, Deputy Director of Government Affairs at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Western monarchs need all the help they can get. This bill gives them a glimmer of hope of surviving the extinction crisis.”
“Monarch butterflies and their epic migratory journey are a miracle of nature, spreading joy across America each year – but they could go extinct on our watch,” said Lisa Frank, Executive Director of Environment America. “Environment America is proud to support the MONARCH Act, which will protect these butterflies and the habitat they need so they can continue to fill our skies and our hearts.”
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