| Summer is officially in full swing, and Congress is out for recess, but that doesn’t mean anything has slowed down. One specific item we’re paying close attention to comes from the Department of Interior. In April, the Bureau of Land Management proposed a new rule that would redefine conservation as a public land use within the Federal Land Planning Management Act and allow for increased protection of “Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.” The intent of this significant revision seems focused on ending fossil fuel production on federal lands and waters, an action that would have many negative implications, including for conservation. Because the vast majority of U.S. funding for conservation is derived from oil and gas royalties and leases, reducing, or eliminating such activity would result in serious cuts to conservation funding available to federal and state resource agencies. ConservAmerica previously cautioned the Administration against imposing more top-down federal regulations and locking away more lands under federal control, and to that end, will be submitting a comment for the record on this proposed rule. The comment period has been extended to July 5, and all comments may be submitted here. Shifting gears, we’d like to welcome Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) to the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC)! As a second-generation farmer, Rep. Valadao’s time in Congress has been focused on agricultural and water policy. Members of the RCC have been pivotal in shaping legislation to protect and enhance our environment, and we are pleased to have the Congressman on board. We want to take a moment to remind our readers that we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the generous support of donors like you. With your help, we can continue to provide leadership on environmental and conservation issues based on the principles of respect for free markets, property rights, and personal responsibility. If you support the work we do, please consider making a one-time or recurring monthly donation. You can click here to donate. As we enter the July 4th weekend, we wish everyone an Independence Day celebration filled with fun, family, and friends. Looking for a way to enjoy outdoor fun? Check out this page from the National Park Service to help you plan your weekend adventure, and don’t forget to tag us on Facebook (@ConservAmerica) with your great outdoor fun photos. Please remember to celebrate safely and responsibly and enjoy the holiday weekend everyone! |
