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U.S.
Senator Ken Salazar U.S.
Senator Lamar Alexander |
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For Immediate Release June 23, 2006 |
CONTACTS:
Harvey Valentine – Sen. Alexander 202-224-8816 Drew Nannis – Sen.
Salazar 202-228-3630 |
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ALEXANDER,
SALAZAR INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE PERMANENT FUNDING Lease
sale area 181 is located in the eastern “When I served on President Reagan's Commission on
Americans Outdoors, the wisdom of a conservation royalty was widely
recognized,” Alexander said. “The premise is simple: if drilling
for oil and gas creates an environmental impact, it makes sense to use some
of the proceeds to create an environmental benefit. It also provides a
solution for funding conservation efforts in a time of tight budgets.” “Congress acted on a remarkable vision in 1964 when
it promised to reinvest revenues from oil and gas drilling into parks,
trails, and open spaces,” Salazar said. “In recent years, we
have failed to keep this promise. Now we should recommit to
Congress’ vision for the Land and Water Conservation Fund so that
LWCF can fulfill its mission and so that we and future generations can
continue to enjoy the great outdoors.” Congress
established the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1964 to meet Since
the early 1980s, the LWCF stateside grants program has been consistently
underfunded. While funding has declined, demand for conserved areas has
dramatically increased. Since the Land and Water Conservation Fund was
first established, the population of the United States has grown by more than
40 percent, putting more pressure on open spaces. Alexander,
chairman of the Energy Subcommittee, served as chairman of President Reagan's
Commission on Americans Outdoors, which recommended a conservation royalty
– using offshore oil drilling revenues to fund fully federal and state
conservation programs. Senator Salazar, also a member of the Energy
Committee, led the effort to create the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
program, was executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural
Resources and created the Youth in Natural Resources program. ### |
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