H.R. 4719, The America Gives More Act of 2014

Floor Speech

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4719, the America Gives More Act of 2014, and in particular in support of the provision that would make the current tax deduction for the contribution of conservation easements permanent. As a cosponsor of similar legislation, I am pleased to see this provision included in the bill. In my home state of Idaho, I have repeatedly seen the positive impact of conservation easements. One of my favorite stretches of river in Idaho is the South Fork of the Snake, near Idaho Falls, where I live. It is a great place to fish, watch bald eagles, or enjoy the beauty of nature without interruption, and this is due in large part to the fact that conservation easements protect the land on the river from development and created wonderful areas for recreation.

More importantly, however, conservation easements have a significant benefit to our economy in Idaho. Farming and ranching have long been a way of life in my state, but increasingly what was once vast swaths of ranchland is being broken up into smaller parcels for development. The conservation easement tax incentive gives many farmers and ranchers the option to put some of their land into conservation easements, protecting habitat and scenic landscapes, instead of selling to developers. In addition, easements that allow for continued agricultural use provide certainty for those who want to keep ranching and farming.

I am pleased that this provision was included in the bill, and I look forward to seeing it benefit willing landowners who are working together with land management agencies to preserve the open spaces in Idaho.

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