Dear Audubon Advocate,

Great news! The Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act was passed by Congress on December 20, 2022, becoming law on December 27 when President Biden signed the legislation. This legislation, informed by Audubon science, addresses the serious challenges our rapidly drying saline lakes face, and the risks posed to local communities and millions of migratory birds.  
 
Your member of Congress cosponsored this bill—please send them a thank you and ask them to continue championing this issue.
 
The Act establishes a scientific monitoring and assessment program to benefit saline lake ecosystems in the West including Great Salt Lake, Lake Abert, Lahontan Valley, Mono Lake, and others. 
 
More than 99 percent of North America’s Eared Grebes, 90 percent of Wilson’s Phalaropes, and more than half the global population of American Avocets depend on the network of saline lakes in the West. These birds—as well as the health and livelihoods of countless people across the Great Basin network—are at risk due to rapidly drying conditions fueled by water demand, drought, and climate change. 
 
The Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act gives these species, communities, and habitats a better chance for a healthy and stable future by supporting a science-based program that builds on local conservation efforts. The bill passed thanks to the leadership of your member in Congress.  
 
Passing this bill is a major step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by essential ecosystems in the arid West. But to ensure its greatest chance of success, it must receive meaningful investment. Thank your member of Congress for cosponsoring this bill and urge them to continue championing this issue by fully funding the program.