Mitch Landrieu: “today I rise with the Senator from Tennessee, Mr. Alexander, my colleague from Louisiana, Mr. Vitter, and the senior…”

“today I rise with the Senator from Tennessee, Mr. Alexander, my colleague from Louisiana, Mr. Vitter, and the senior Senator from South Dakota, Mr. Johnson, to introduce legislation which we believe is a new and enhanced version of one of the most significant conservation efforts ever considered by Congress. The Americans Outdoors Act is a landmark multi-year commitment to conservation programs directly benefitting all 50 States and hundreds of local communities. It creates a conservation royalty earned from the production of oil and gas found on the Outer Continental Shelf, OCS, and directs it towards the restoration of coastal wetlands, preservation of wildlife habitat, and to help build and maintain local and state parks for our children and grandchildren. By enacting this legislation, we will be making the most significant commitment of resources to conservation ever. It will ensure a positive legacy of protecting, preserving and enhancing critical wildlife habitat, open green spaces and the opportunity for Americans to enjoy their outdoors today and for generations to come. Our legislation builds on an effort made during the 106th Congress that was supported by governors, mayors and a coalition of more than 5,000 organizations from throughout the country. Unfortunately, despite widespread support, our efforts were cut short before a bill could be signed into law.…”