Enactment of this critical legislation would make an enormous difference in the legacy we leave to future generations of Americans. I am pleased to say that I am a cosponsor of S. 2181 sponsored by Senator Bingaman, as well as S. 446 sponsored by Senator Boxer.
Over the past 30 years, appropriations from the Land and Water Conservation Fund have purchased three million acres of land for the national park, forest, and refuge systems. And States have purchased another two million acres with grants from the Fund. However, we must do more. It is critical that we establish a secure long-term source of funding for conservation activities.
In the past several years, this program has often received less than one-quarter of the total authorized level, with no funding going to the state and local portion of the program between 1995 and 1999.
Congress' failure to fully appropriate LWCF funds has delayed the purchase of tens of millions of acres of land for previously authorized park projects.
These delays typically result in higher prices for the land when it is ultimately acquired, and natural resources' values are often lost or degraded in the interim.
If we are going to make a significant investment in our nation's natural resources and preserve our open spaces, a dedicated revenue stream is essential.
Currently, we have a $10 billion backlog in federal land acquisition needs that includes areas vital to conserving wetlands, watersheds, and wilderness; protecting refuges and habitat; preserving important historic and cultural sites; and providing trails and open spaces for outdoor recreation. If these national treasures are not protected, they may be lost forever.
In addition to critical needs in the area of land acquisition, the bills before us fund many other essential environmental programs, including wildlife conservation, the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program, historic preservation and coastal protection.
Mr. Chairman, unrestrained development is putting pressure on our existing public lands. Urban and suburban sprawl and the loss of open space have become primary concerns for communities throughout the country.
In the 1998 elections, there were over 240 state and local parks and conservation ballot initiatives.
Approximately 72 percent were successful, including a $1 billion open space initiative in my own state of New Jersey.
The American people are making their voices heard on this critical issue, and passage of conservation legislation is a strong and meaningful way to respond.
I look forward to working with the Members of this Committee to ensure that we do the right thing by preserving and protecting our critical natural resources.