Pennsylvania congressman, others call for Conservation Fund renewal

With the expiration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) less than 100 days away, U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA), along with a large group of bipartisan lawmakers and conservation advocates, came together last week at a media event on Capitol Hill, urging Congress to act quickly to renew the fund.

Established 50 years ago, the LWCF uses money from residuals on offshore drilling of oil and gas to finance projects that preserve areas with scenic views and cultural and historical significance. Since 1965, the fund has partnered with local communities, aiding more than 41,000 preservation projects nationwide. The LWCF program is responsible for protecting almost five million acres of public lands, including Grand Canyon National Park, Appalachian National Scenic Trail and White Mountain National Forest.

“The LWCF is our nation’s single most successful conservation program,” Meehan said. “Yet if Congress does not act soon, the fund and its ongoing preservation projects will be in danger. This could lead to the end of conservation projects and destruction of land that can never be undone. Protecting the outdoors is a smart investment. It’s one of those rare issues that can earn support from both sides of the aisle. It’s time for Congress to act to extend the LWCF.”

Standing with Meehan were U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI). Members of the LWCF Coalition were also in attendance.