<[link removed]> October 2021 With the arrival of Fall comes the end of the fiscal year in Washington, and ConservAmerica is closely monitoring Congress as it works to wrap up a spending bill and an infrastructure package. Our country desperately needs enhanced and augmented infrastructure and facilities to protect our environment and remain economically competitive, but investments must be done in a way that sustainably manages taxpayer resources as well. ConservAmerica is focused on advocating for solutions that are pragmatic and viable in a challenging political era. We believe policymakers can find common ground in policies that protect the environment and foster economic growth, and we know that stakeholders have a role in shaping these pieces of legislation and supporting them as they make their way through Congress. We’re proud of our work supporting the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC), whose members are sponsoring bills that fulfill ConservAmerica’s goals. On the ConservAmerica website you’ll find a section <[link removed]> that highlights these priority bills, and we invite you to take a look at and comment on them. We’re proud too of our increasing outreach in media, including several well-attended webinars <[link removed]> addressing policies and opportunities and highlighting the superb work being done in diverse areas by our colleagues throughout the country. You can view all this enlightening and useful content on our media page <[link removed]> . In September, ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer joined Mike Mauceli, CEO of REI Energy, on his podcast The Energy Show to discuss the Biden administration’s tax proposals that are targeting the oil and gas industry. You can listen to the full discussion here <[link removed]> . We’re also excited to announce that later this month ConservAmerica is bringing back our annual reception recognizing Congressional champions of free-market solutions to environmental challenges. This year’s event on Oct. 19 will be smaller than our past events but that we are able to hold it at all is a refreshing change from last year. This year we’ll be honoring Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mike Braun and Representatives Brian Mast and Bruce Westerman for their commitment to advancing smart policies that protect our environment and promote our prosperity. Please be sure to Follow ConservAmerica on Twitter <[link removed]> and Facebook <[link removed]> for updates, and keep an eye out for upcoming <[link removed]> webinars. As autumn’s changing colors remind us of what we cherish and what’s at stake, please accept our gratitude, as always, for your friendship and continued support. Nan Hayworth, M.D. ConservAmerica Chair Donate to ConservAmerica <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Regulatory Certainty Needed to Calm the Waters <[link removed]> There is no disputing that the protection of sources of drinking water and high-quality wetlands are important. But as the debate on Waters of the United States (WOTUS) continues, it’s important to have a clear understanding about which water bodies are subject to federal jurisdiction. Why does this matter? If you are planning a development or clean energy project that may affect a stream or wetland, you will need to know how the current definition of WOTUS affects your project and whether you will need a permit. Unfortunately, that definition is not clear and recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have only muddied the water further. The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the foundational law that governs the nation’s waters. Any discharge of a pollutant from a point source, such as a pipe, or construction or farming activities, impacting waters subject to federal jurisdiction requires a federal permit. Importantly, waters not subject to federal jurisdiction are still subject to state law and permitting requirements. Securing federal permits for projects, including clean energy infrastructure, can take months or years to secure and at significant cost. Failure to obtain a permit can result in significant civil and criminal penalties. Read More <[link removed]> <[link removed]> Webinar: Federal Land Designations, Finding Balance <[link removed]> ConservAmerica hosted an online conversation on Sept. 15 concerning federal land protection policy and the importance of striking a balance between protecting special places for future generations and respecting states' rights, private property, and individual freedom. If you missed it, click here to watch <[link removed]> ! We host webinars every month that tackle some of the most challenging issues facing conservation today. To keep an eye on upcoming discussions, connect with ConservAmerica on Twitter <[link removed]> and Facebook <[link removed]> ! Watch the webinar here <[link removed]> <[link removed]> ConservAmerica President Jeff Kupfer discussed was featured on "The Energy Show with REI Energy" how the Biden Administration is targeting oil and gas through the tax code. Tune in here <[link removed]> on Apple Podcasts. Listen here <[link removed]> Support Principled Conservation This year, we have seen, more than ever, the importance of protecting our public lands and the unique places that mean so much to us. There's no better way to be a good steward of the land we love than by protecting it for future generations. We need your help to continue leading the way on environmental, conservation, and clean energy issues. ConservAmerica believes the most successful approaches are the ones that offer common sense, market-based solutions rather than big government, top-down regulations. Please consider supporting our work with your tax-deductible donation. 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