Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025

The Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025 would modify how the federal government reviews and approves state wildlife conservation plans. Currently, states submit comprehensive wildlife action plans (called SWAPs) to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but there is no deadline for federal approval. In practice, this process has taken over 18 months, delaying states' ability to implement wildlife conservation and restoration programs that protect non-game species from becoming threatened or endangered.

Under this bill, the Secretary of the Interior would be required to approve or deny a state's wildlife plan within 180 days of submission. If the federal government fails to act within that timeframe, the state's plan would be automatically approved. This would allow states to move forward with their conservation efforts without indefinite waiting periods for federal review.

The bill would affect how states manage wildlife conservation funding and programs under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. By establishing a firm deadline and automatic approval provision, the legislation aims to streamline the process and ensure states can access necessary funding and resources more quickly to protect wildlife habitats and species. The bill passed the House unanimously and is now under review by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.