DENVER—Tuesday, President Trump tweeted his support for a bill to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide funding to address maintenance needs in national parks. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt testified today in front of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee that the administration will support these legislative efforts.
LWCF uses revenue from offshore oil and gas drilling, not taxpayer funds, to invest in national parks, public lands, and local community parks. The program was permanently authorized in March of 2019 in a broadly supported public lands package that passed the Senate by a 92-8 vote. LWCF is authorized at $900 million annually, but appropriations have consistently fallen short, providing full annual funding only twice in the program’s 55-year history. America’s national parks, which face a backlog of maintenance and infrastructure projects amid record visitation, rely on LWCF to increase access.
In response to the administration’s comments, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“At a time when our parks and public lands face increasing threats from climate change and energy development, this is much needed good news. Congress should seize the opportunity to fully fund our nation’s most important parks program and conserve our national parks for future generations.
“Westerners of all stripes have consistently supported this commonsense program that invests in our parks without using taxpayer funds. We’re glad the president finally appreciates this vital program—now it’s time to get it done.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is overwhelmingly popular among Western voters, with multiple polls showing strong voter support for fully funding the program.
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