Louise Slaughter: “we have an extraordinary measure before us today. The Conservation and Reinvestment Act, CARA, H.R. 701, is the most…”

“we have an extraordinary measure before us today. The Conservation and Reinvestment Act, CARA, H.R. 701, is the most sweeping commitment to the protection of America's public land, marine and wildlife resources in over a generation. Utilizing the proceeds from offshore oil and gas development, this measure will provide steady funding for the preservation of our natural resources for decades to come. These offshore revenues were promised for this objective 36 years ago, and this bill fulfills and builds on that commitment. Mr. Speaker, this has been a critical program for many areas of the country. In just a few years' time, from the late 1970s, early 1980, my district in Monroe County received over $2 million for recreational areas, neighborhood parks and historic preservation. Today, more than ever, our Nation's natural resources are under enormous pressure from development, congestion, pollution and competition. Communities like Rochester, New York, are fighting to preserve the open spaces that exist. I am delighted that my district will once again have the tools to preserve our community for future generations. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 701 provides Federal, State and local communities the ability to work cooperatively with private organizations and citizens to preserve these resources for the future. This legislation contains no incentives for additional offshore oil development.”