|
Yesterday, the Senate passed historic conservation legislation that will fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and put $9.5 billion towards addressing the maintenance backlog in national parks. Westerners of all political stripes have long supported these two efforts to conserve our natural heritage—support that was reflected in an overwhelmingly bipartisan 73-25 vote.
The legislation will create a lasting conservation legacy by putting tens of thousands of people to work maintaining trailheads and visitor centers, rebuilding roads, and creating new local parks. Such an effort comes at a critical time as the nation struggles to recover from public health and economic crises.
In providing funds to build new parks, expand access to open space, and protect critical habitat, the bill provides momentum towards the next bold goal—conserving 30 percent of America by 2030. All eyes now turn towards the House of Representatives, where a broad coalition is pushing for a vote in the coming weeks.
Recognizing Juneteenth
In honor of Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, we will not publish Look West tomorrow.
|
This all but eliminates the ability of citizens to protect themselves and others from coal mines that are operating in violation of the permit and regulatory standards designated to safeguard public health and safety.”
