When it comes to supporting crucial funding for our parks and public lands, bipartisanship still exists in Washington.
Last Friday, eight Republican senators sent a letter to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Chairman, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) calling for permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in the energy bill currently being debated in Congress.
The senators— Richard Burr (R-NC), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and Rob Portman (R-OH)—are drawing a line in the sand on LWCF, calling it a “top policy priority” to help get the energy bill across the finish line.
LWCF is one of America’s most successful conservation programs, providing critical resources to protect public lands, waters, and urban parks. In December of 2015, the fund received a temporary, three-year renewal, but leaders from across the political spectrum continue fighting for a secure and permanent source of funding to ensure LWCF’s continued success.
As the Republican leaders explained in the letter: “This well-envisioned toolbox is critical for all Americans… to meet unique and pressing conservation, recreation, and historic preservation needs across the country.”
Unfortunately, some D.C. politicians are still out of touch. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, stalled legislation introduced to Congress that would have provided critical funding to LWCF. And now, Rep. Bishop wants to remove language in the energy bill that would secure funding for LWCF. Bishop has repeatedly attempted to kill LWCF under false pretenses.
In an era when bipartisanship is hard to come by, let’s hope Democrats and Republicans can break through the gridlock and make sure the Land and Water Conservation Fund continues providing for our parks and public lands long into the future.