U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Sept. 13 urged colleague support for bipartisan legislation that would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
Rep. Fitzpatrick is among 235 cosponsors of H.R. 502, introduced in January 2017 by U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) to permanently fund the LWCF and encourage increased conservation efforts and expanded public access, according to the text of the bill. Authorization of the current LWCF is set to expire on Sept. 30.
“This vital program benefits millions of Americans in innumerable ways, from promoting recreational activity to contributing to our nation’s robust economy, along with furthering environmental protection,” said Fitzpatrick in advocating for H.R. 502 on the House floor last week.
Since the LWCF’s establishment 50 years ago, the fund has enormously benefitted the congressman’s Pennsylvania district in Bucks and Montgomery counties, he said.
“Treasured public lands such as Nockamixon State Park, Tyler State Park, and cherished community venues such as Hatfield Community Park are all just a few of the examples of the beneficiaries of this valuable fund,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.
H.R. 502 would ensure such public lands remain accessible to Americans by setting aside at least 1.5 percent (or a minimum of $10 million) of LWCF funds to expand access for hunting, fishing and other recreational purposes, the lawmaker said.
“As we rapidly approach the deadline for this crucial program, which affects 98 percent of counties here in the United States and contributes to an economy that encompasses one out of 15 American jobs, I urge this Congress to take up full permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund,” said Fitzpatrick.
The LWCF, which is authorized by Congress, is supported entirely by a portion of oil and gas industry royalties.
“This must be a bipartisan priority, and we must get this done,” Rep. Fitzpatrick concluded. “The alternative is unacceptable.”
The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee by voice vote amended H.R. 502 during a Sept. 13 markup session.
The identical S. 896, introduced in April 2017 by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), is under review by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.