The failed efforts of the previous Congress to protect a single acre of land provide a roadmap of opportunities for the newly seated Congress, and the White House, to establish a bipartisan conservation legacy.
In a new report, Rebuilding a Conservation Legacy, the Center for Western Priorities (CWP) reviewed more than 50 Republican and Democratic proposals introduced in recent years that would have permanently protected land. The report identifies 12 opportunities in states across the West for the Administration and Congress to re-establish a strong legacy of land conservation, and to catch up with the conservation efforts of prior administrations.
“There is strong support in Congress to protect American landscapes, but there has been a failure to act on that enthusiasm,” said the report’s author, CWP Policy Director Greg Zimmerman.
Economic studies have shown that permanently protected lands attract businesses, create jobs and strengthen local economies. Beyond these tangible benefits, America’s national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas are a point of national pride and a unique experiment unheard of in most countries. These protected areas provide clean air, fresh water, and wildlife habitat, which improve the quality of life for the residents of nearby communities.
“The executive and legislative branches must make protecting lands a priority,” said Zimmerman. “As this report shows, the bipartisan opportunities to preserve lands are tremendous.”
The White House and Congress’ records on conservation have been dismal over the last few years. During President Obama’s first term, less land was protected than any of the previous four presidencies, including Presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, or George W. Bush.
The 112th Congress was the first since 1968 to fail to permanently protect a single new acre of land.