Political Quotes

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund was first authorized in 1965. There was some type of compromise that was reached at that time whereby this proliferation of offshore energy production would occur. At the same time, there was a concern that those activities could threaten the environment; so there was a negotiation reached whereby the first $900 million of offshore energy revenues from oil and gas production would be committed to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The idea was that half of those dollars would be used to go toward the acquisition of Federal lands for the purpose of creating or growing national parks or wildlife refuges, BLM land, and national forests. Half of the funds would be authorized to go to stateside grant programs for similar types of activities in order to increase recreational opportunities, State wildlife refuges, and State parks for citizens in the United States. That stateside program is a match of 50-50. The States have to put up half of the money. Mr. Speaker, I would call the Land and Water Conservation Fund and its objectives a laudable goal to preserve these recreational and conservation activities for Americans. Certainly, as this Nation's population grows, we are going to continue to develop areas. So, for these areas that are especially sensitive, productive, and beautiful, let's ensure that we create those opportunities and retain those opportunities for recreation for Americans for generations to come.…”