Rep. Kirkpatrick Secures Largest Single Earmark for Saguaro National Park in Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies FY2022 Approps Funding Bill

Press Release

Rep. Kirkpatrick announces massive funding victories in the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill. The House Appropriations Committee approved the bill for fiscal year 2022 on a 32-24 vote.

Rep. Kirkpatrick secured the largest community project funding request, otherwise known as "earmark', in the bill at $4.1 million, which would go to the Rincon Valley Creek Protection project. That involves adding 552 acres to Saguaro National Park. The parcels fall within the park boundary expansion approved by Congress last year.

"The Rincon Valley Creek Protection Project has been a priority project for our community, and my office, and I am thrilled we were able to directly secure the significant funds needed," said Rep. Kirkpatrick. "This funding bill exemplifies our values and as we dig deeper and review the details we are seeing thatthis is one massive win, out of many wins this Appropriations season."

"This is wonderful news for all who love Saguaro National Park," said Kevin Dahl, National Parks Conservation Association's Senior Program Manager. "As the Rincon Valley develops and becomes home to more residents, we achieve a balance by preserving these special riparian and lush desert parcels and making them available for public access. This speaks to the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to preserving and protecting our most treasured places in Arizona and beyond. Many thanks to Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and her staff for doing the work to make this happen."

"Saguaro National Park is one of only two National Parks the Arizona National Scenic Trail passes through, and showcases Arizona's biodiversity unlike anywhere else in the state. Expanding the Park boundaries through acquisition of private property will protect the plants and animals that define this amazing place, and enhance the experiences of all the hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians who spend time on the Trail," said Matthew Nelson, Executive Director, Arizona Trail Association

In total, the bill includes $43.4 billion in regular appropriations, an increase of $7.3 billion -- 20.2 percent -- above 2021. There is also an additional $2.45 billion of funding for fire suppression. The legislation:

Creates good-paying American jobs through investments in renewable energy development, including offshore wind, and a national initiative to reclaim abandoned mines and cap orphan oil and gas wells
Confronts the climate crisis by expanding environmental enforcement efforts, creating a Civilian Climate Corps, and launching a renewed focus on land and water conservation
Supports Native American families by investing in a strong and resilient Indian Country, including through education and health care programs
Dramatically expands environmental justice efforts to address unacceptable pollution in communities of color
Honors the federal government's responsibilities to Native Americans
"House Democrats continue making long-overdue investments to care for our planet, fight the climate emergency, return science as the foundation for decision making, and meet our trust obligations to tribal nations," Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) said. "The Fiscal Year 2022 bill builds upon last year's successes to advance the priorities of the American people -- ensuring we have clean air and water, protecting our natural resources, preserving biodiversity for future generations, and taking meaningful actions to support the Biden-Harris Administration's ambitious goals to simultaneously address climate change and create good-paying jobs across America."

"The American people understand that confronting the climate crisis can be a pathway to creating good-paying jobs and inclusive economic growth. That's exactly what House Democrats are doing with this bill's critical investments in a green economy," Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) said. "With offshore wind development, reclamation of abandoned mines, and a Civilian Climate Corps, we can turn a challenge into an opportunity. I am also pleased that this bill increases funding for environmental enforcement, so we can crack down on polluters who all too often escape the consequences for the damage they cause. I am also very proud that this bill supports Native American families with investments in education and health and fosters equity with a focus on environmental justice."

The following amendment to the bill was adopted by the full Committee:

Rep. Pingree -- The manager's amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

A summary of the bill is here. The text of the bill, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here. In keeping with the Appropriations Committee's commitment to transparency, information on Community Project Funding in the bill is here.

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