|
Yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, a historic public lands conservation package, on a 310-107 vote. The bill fulfills Congress’ 55-year-old promise to the American people to use offshore drilling proceeds to invest in our nation’s public lands, and is the culmination of decades of bipartisan work. The bill is now headed to President Trump to be signed into law.
The bipartisan legislation provides permanent funding for the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund and directs billions toward addressing the national parks maintenance backlog. This funding will protect ecosystems, ensure equitable access to nature, and promote outdoor recreation economies that strengthen local communities
Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala said in a statement, “In a time when there is so much division in our country, public lands have the ability to unite us. We celebrate this important bipartisan conservation effort, and hope that it can be the beginning of an ongoing conversation about how our public lands must play a role in our country’s economic recovery.”
Today: Join the "Road to 30" virtual tour in Nevada
Join the Center for Western Priorities and the Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF) today at 11am PT/2pm ET for a virtual discussion about the bold vision of protecting 30 percent of America’s lands and water by 2030, and how Nevada grassroots efforts and Bureau of Land Management lands can support this goal. The event will feature New Mexico Senator Tom Udall, who is leading the 30x30 effort in Congress, as well as Nevada Assemblyman Howard Watts, and CLF Senior Field Director Jocelyn Torres. RSVP here, and tune in live via YouTube or Facebook. To learn more about conservation on BLM lands, check out our new blog and interactive story map.
|
Passing the Great American Outdoors Act is quite simply the most significant investment in conservation in decades. It’s a huge win for wildlife, our national treasures, our economy and all Americans who enjoy our public lands for solace, recreation and exercise, especially amid this pandemic.”
