100 Days: Meehan, Lawmakers Urge Action on Landmark Conservation Fund

Press Release

Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers and conservation advocates today to urge Congress to renew the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This week marks 100 days until the fund's authorization expires without congressional intervention.

Created by Congress in 1965, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) uses revenues from the offshore drilling of oil and gas to finance and support efforts to preserve areas of scenic beauty and cultural importance. The LWCF has supported more than 41,000 preservation projects across the country by partnering with states and local communities. The LWCF program has permanently protected nearly five million acres of public lands including Grand Canyon National Park, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the White Mountain National Forest.

"The LWCF is our nation's single most successful conservation program," said Congressman Meehan. "Yet if Congress does not act soon, the fund and its ongoing preservation projects will be in danger. This could lead to the end of conservation projects and destruction of land that can never be undone. Protecting the outdoors is a smart investment. It's one of those rare issues that can earn support from both sides of the aisle. It's time for Congress to act to extend the LWCF."

"Pennsylvania has received nearly $300 million through the LWCF over the course of the last fifty years, much of it spent to preserve and protect some of the most sacred scenes of early American history: Independence Hall National Historic Park, Valley Forge National Historic Park, the Gettysburg National Military Park, and the Flight 93 Memorial are just a few examples of the sites that have been preserved through the LWCF's partnership with Pennsylvania," Meehan said.

Meehan was joined on Capitol Hill by Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), as well as Reps. Mike Thompson (D/CA-05) and Debbie Dingell (D/MI-12). Representatives of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition were also present.

"Unless Congress acts, LWCF, America's most important conservation program, will expire in September," said Alan Rowsome, Senior Director of Government Relations for Lands at the Wilderness Society and Co-Chair of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition. "The LWCF Coalition commends Congressman's Meehan's bipartisan leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting America's natural, cultural, historical and outdoor heritage. We will continue to work with him and other conservation leaders in the House and Senate to ensure this vital program continues to make conservation and recreation investments in communities from coast to coast."

Meehan has been a leader in the effort to strengthen the LWCF. He led 195 of his colleagues earlier this year in urging more investment in the LWCF through the annual appropriations process. Meehan is also a cosponsor of legislation that would permanently extend the fund's authorization.

Earlier this week, Meehan joined Rep. Ryan Costello and other community leaders for a tour of Gibralter Hill in Berks County, Pennslyvania. The scenic 238-acre site was successfully preserved with the help of federal, state and local resources.

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