National Parks Group Lauds Senate Legislation to Preserve Landscapes and Maintain Robust Tourism Economies
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PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| Date: | June 23, 2011 |
| Contact: | John Garder, Legislative Representative, National Parks Conservation Association, jgarder@npca.org, (o) 202.454.3395, (c) 202.329.7028 Jeff Billington, Senior Media Relations Manager, National Parks Conservation Association, jbillington@npca.org, 202.419.2717 |
National Parks Group Lauds Senate Legislation to Preserve Landscapes and Maintain Robust Tourism Economies
“The legislation introduced today by Sens. Bingaman, Baucus, Tester, Mark Udall and Wyden will help fulfill a promise that Congress made in 1965 to preserve and protect irreplaceable national parks and other public lands and waters across the nation. The Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2011 will do this by restoring the funding originally promised for this use.
“By ensuring that the Land and Water Conservation Fund is a dedicated program, we will have cleaner water, more pristine landscapes and increased recreation for our outdoor activities, such as fishing and hiking. And, all of this will primarily be paid for by a small portion of the royalties from offshore oil and gas drilling, which were originally designated to fund this important conservation tool but have been largely siphoned out the account for decades. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped protect many of America’s most famous and popular parks, historic sites and recreation areas across the National Park System. With the help of this legislation our national parks, natural lands and waterways will be healthier and more effectively managed.
“With deep thanks for the forward-thinking stewardship of the senators who have introduced this legislation, we now urge the full Senate to do the right thing and pass it, helping to guarantee that the places Americans most cherish are protected. This bill will help ensure a vastly popular conservation tool can be used more effectively to enhance public access and recreation and prevent incompatible development within our national parks and other special places.”
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