Congressman Salazar Votes to Protect Colorado's Water and Land

Salazar Takes a Stand to Against Bill to Eliminate Funding for LWCF's, Key Rural Programs 

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John T. Salazar (CO-3) stood up to protect Colorado’s water and land on Thursday, voting against a bill that devastates local communities’ clean water and conservation efforts. After attempts to improve the 2006 House Interior and Appropriations Bill (HR 2361) were defeated, Salazar voted against the spending bill stating that money should have been put towards creating livable communities.

“Clean water is the right of every American and we need to preserve our open spaces for future generations,” said Salazar. “Taking care of our land and water is vital to the survival of rural communities. Now is the time to invest – not eliminate – money for creating livable communities.”

The House Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill breaks the federal government’s trust with rural communities by:
• gutting Colorado’s clean water funds by nearly $4 million;
• slashing the grants for the Land and Water Conservation Funds by more than 75%;
• eliminating the Economic Action Program, which allows rural communities to become economically independent through the use of forest resources; and
• eliminating the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, thereby preventing the clean up of health and safety threats at abandoned mines

Salazar fought to save the Land Water Conservation Fund grant program, voting for amendments to add $500 million (H.AMDT.177) and $100 million (H.AMDT.178). The amendments were defeated and despite the elimination of vital programs, the final bill passed Thursday night (191-228).

“A federal spending bill is a statement of priorities and should be about keeping a promise to taxpayers,” said Salazar.  “Cutting off federal aid at a time when states are increasingly strapped for cash simply doesn’t make sense. If these funding levels aren’t adjusted in the near future, Colorado’s clean water and conservation efforts will be devastated.”

Said Salazar: “We’ll continue the fight for clean water and conservation to make sure the President gets a bill that does right by rural communities.”