Ayotte Helps Introduce Bill to Permanently Reauthorize Key Conservation Program

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) joined Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) this week in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which would fully realize LWCF's promise to conserve parks, open spaces, and wildlife habitat for the benefit of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Ayotte has helped lead efforts in the Senate to bolster LWCF, which has helped advance public-private efforts to protect thousands of acres in New Hampshire without using taxpayer dollars.

"LWCF has been used to protect thousands of acres of New Hampshire's pristine landscape, which is of utmost importance to our economy and our way of life," said Senator Ayotte. "It's time to permanently reauthorize LWCF so that we can continue to preserve and protect New Hampshire's outdoor spaces for future generations."

"Last week, the Senate showed significant bipartisan support to permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)," said Senator Burr. "LWCF has a proven track record of making good on their promise to conserve parks, open spaces, and wildlife habitats for the benefit of future generations. My colleagues and I offer this bill to permanently reauthorize LWCF, without asking American taxpayers to shoulder the burden. I look forward to my colleagues coming together to pass this legislation."

"LWCF is a critical tool that has helped boost Colorado's tourism and outdoor recreation economy," Bennet said. "The Fund provides resources for widely-supported projects across the state, from building city parks in Denver to conserving parcels of land high in the San Juan Mountains to providing important sportsmen's access. We should pass this bill to reauthorize the program, and at the same time Congress should move to ensure LWCF receives full and dedicated funding going forward."

Rather than using taxpayer money, LWCF receives a small portion - $900 million each year - of the billions of dollars in annual oil and gas royalties gained from exploration on federally owned land and water and does not add to the nation's debt.

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