We are beginning the third full century of our nation's history. The first was marked by the Louisiana Purchase which added almost 530 million acres to the United States. It changed the United States from a eastern, coastal nation to one covering the entire continent. The second century of our nation's history was marked by additions to the public land trust. President Theodore Roosevelt started the century by designating for federal protection between 1901 and 1909 almost 230 million acres- a land area equivalent to that of allof the East coast states from Maine to Florida and just under one-half of the area purchased in the Louisiana purchase.
As we enter the third full century of our nation's history, we must ask ourselves, how can we preserve these national treasures given the changing nature of American society? In the next century, America will become a different place. The Census Bureau predicts that our population will grow from 275 million to 571 million. This population will become progressively more urban, more diverse, and older. We must work today to ensure that our approach to conservation is in tune with the greater demands that will be placed on our natural system. We must strive to meet the challenge posed by Theodore Roosevelt, who said, "We must ask ourselves if we are leaving for future generations an environment that is as good, or better, than what we found."
As a member of ENR Committee I have been engaged in the CARA bill debate since early 1999. I believe one of the most critical elements of the final package is one outside of the jurisdiction of this Committee, but critical in our nation's conservation policy--funding for our national parks. In April 1999 I introduced The National Park Preservation Act, S. 819, with my colleagues Senators Reid, Mack, and Cleland. This bill would establish a National Park Preservation Fund of $500 million for actions by the National Park Service to protect or restore core park resources that are threatened by actions inside or outside park boundaries. Over the last year, I have visited multiple national parks throughout the nation and have been stunned by the condition of park resources.
In the Everglades, human manipulation of watershed led to ecosystem devastation. At Ellis Island National Monument, historic structures left unmanaged are dilapidated. At Bandelier National Monument, cultural artifacts are soiled by graffiti and are left unprotected from erosion.
This weekend I will be visiting Olympic National Park to broaden my perspective on the state of our national parks. My legislation will provide the National Park Service with the funding it needs to address the condition of its natural, cultural, and historical resources. I hope that each of you will join me in my support for our National Park System and for forward progress on the OCS Revenue bills that we are considering today.
This Congress has the opportunity to meet the challenge posed by Theodore Roosevelt to leave our world a better place for future generations. We have the opportunity, with action on the bills before us today, to reach the people of the next century with the vision of John Muir who said: "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life."
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.