Press Release-Kennedy Helps Protect Wetlands

Press Release-Kennedy Helps Protect Wetlands

Washington, D.C.-Congressman Mark Kennedy supported passage today of the North American Wetlands Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2006 (NAWCA), which makes vital improvements to lakes and rivers to re-establish habitat that is critical for wildlife.

"There is no doubt that we must act now to conserve our wetlands," Kennedy said. "That s why I was pleased to support the reauthorization of NAWCA, so that we may improve our natural resources and give our children and grandchildren the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the future."

In June, Kennedy testified in front of the House Resources Committee s Subcommittee on Fisheries and Oceans on behalf of NAWCA, of which he is an original co-sponsor, and discussed the benefit of other conservation legislation, such as the Emergency Wetlands Loan Act, which he introduced last year.

"The [Wetlands Loan Act] would double the amount available to the Migratory Bird Trust Fund to a total of $800 million over the next 10 years." Kennedy said. "The bill is narrowly aimed at wetlands conservation and as such, it includes an incremental increase in the price of the duck stamp that is explicitly tied to the repayment of the loans advanced to the migratory bird program."

Kennedy will testify again on behalf of the Emergency Wetlands Loan Act before the Fisheries and Oceans Subcommittee on Sept. 21st, along with members of several conservation groups.

http://markkennedy.house.gov/cgi-data/press/files/769.shtml