TWS opposes the OMB’s proposed regulation for federal financial assistance

The Wildlife Society submitted formal comments in response to proposed revisions to federal financial assistance regulations, emphasizing how the administration’s proposal would threaten the work of wildlife professionals and undermine the scientific foundations of conservation.

The OMB’s rulemaking, introduced for public comment on May 29, 2026, would significantly alter the federal grant process. It garnered immediate attention and sustained engagement across the broader scientific research community, featuring proposals to grant political appointees authority over how federal grants are awarded, restrict collaboration with international colleagues and institutions, and limit participation in professional societies, among other actions.

TWS’ comments are targeted at preserving the “scientific institutions and collaborative foundations that make conservation possible,” with particular focus on the needs of our members who rely on federal grant funding to support their work as wildlife professionals.

Our comments highlight significant concern around the potential for OMB’s rulemaking to cause instability in funding used to implement conservation programs that are dependent upon long-term monitoring. Datasets that have been decades in the making form the foundation of climate adaptation, disease surveillance, invasive species eradication and habitat restoration. Introducing political appointees and administrative priorities into the federal grants process creates “unnecessary risk of sudden suspension or termination” of federal assistance programs, as stated in TWS’ comments.

In response to OMB’s proposal to limit funding for professional engagement activities, we note that participation in professional societies is a source of increased capacity to implement conservation. Likewise, scientific conferences and meetings contribute to the meaningful exchange of technical knowledge and new ideas, which, in turn, translates to successful wildlife management. We caution OMB to avoid any changes to regulations that could discourage participation attendance.

The OMB will now need to review and address the more than 54,000 comments submitted during the 30-day public comment period. TWS staff will monitor the rule’s progress and inform members of future opportunities for engagement.