Larsen Calls on House Leadership to Permanently Reauthorize LWCF

Statement

This week, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi calling for Congress to pass legislation to permanently authorize and allocate mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) before the end of the 115th Congress.

"The Land and Water Conservation Fund is the cornerstone of environmental conservation which helps preserve Washington state's public lands and waters. Over the last 50 years, Washington state has received more than $675 million from the LWCF to help protect and restore green spaces such as Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Chuckanut Bay and the Wild Sky Wilderness in my district. A healthy environment is vital to Washingtonians' way of life and the regional economy. Outdoor recreation is responsible for an estimated 7.6 million jobs in the United States and plays a significant role in the rural economies and for local businesses in the Second District," Larsen wrote.

The Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act would permanently reauthorize and fully fund the LWCF.

"Securing annual, mandatory appropriations and permanent reauthorization for the LWCF will safeguard the nation's environmental heritage and guarantee green spaces and pristine waters are available for the enjoyment of future generations."

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