[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10695-S10706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LIEBERMAN (for himself, Mr. Chaffee, Mr. Leahy, and Mr. 
        Jeffords):
  S. 1573. A bill to provide a reliable source of funding for State, 
local, and Federal efforts to conserve land and water, preserve 
historic resources, improve environmental resources, protect fish and 
wildlife, and preserve open and green spaces; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.


                   natural resources reinvestment act

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise to offer introductory 
remarks on the Natural Resources Reinvestment Act, a bill that I am 
introducing today with my colleagues Mr. Chafee, Mr. Leahy, and Mr. 
Jeffords. Before we adjourned for the summer recess, Congress spent 
many weeks preoccupied with weighty fiscal matters like how to divvy up 
a hypothetical budget surplus, whether to grant tax cuts with money 
that may or may not exist, or whether to do the responsible thing and 
pay off the national debt with any surplus that might actually 
materialize. Make no mistake, these are important issues, but they are 
not the only issues that should cause us concern. Recent visits with 
citizens in Connecticut reinforced my conviction that one of the most 
critical, but commonly overlooked, issues facing our nation today is 
the conservation debt that we have amassed in recent years.
  This conservation debt is difficult to define because it cannot be 
measured in dollars and cents. It is not dependent on interest rates or 
stock market gyrations. It is not a debt that can be paid off by 
signing a check when eventually we realize that we have short-changed 
our children's environmental inheritance.
  This conservation debt grows as urban sprawl spreads across prime 
farmland and degrades wetlands. It is a debt that multiples every time 
a community misses a chance to acquire the watershed lands that help to 
purify their drinking water. It is a debt that grows irreversibly every 
time another endangered species is driven down the one-way road to 
extinction. It is a debt that increases each time an untended urban 
park is ceded to drug-peddlers through neglect and inattention. It is a 
debt that builds every time a structure representing our cultural 
heritage is demolished rather than renovated. It is a debt that we can 
no longer afford to ignore.
  Unfortunately, too little has been said or done recently in 
Washington to define the steps we--as a nation--should take to pay off 
the conservation debt and ensure that our children and grandchildren 
inherit a planet that is healthy, productive, and blessed with 
abundant, clean, green open space.
  Because I am committed to preserving a rich environmental legacy for 
our children, today I join with Mr. Chafee, from Rhode Island, the 
esteemed Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee on 
which I serve, and Mr. Leahy and Mr. Jeffords from Vermont to introduce 
the Natural Resources Reinvestment Act of 1999.
  The principle behind our bill is simple: as we deplete federally-
owned, non-renewable natural resources such as oil and gas, we should 
reinvest the proceeds to establish a reliable source of funding for 
State, local, and federal efforts to conserve land and water, provide 
recreational opportunities, preserve historic resources, protect fish 
and wildlife, and preserve open space. The Natural Resources 
Reinvestment Act honors this principle by re-establishing America's 
long-standing commitment to protecting land, fish and wildlife, and our 
cultural heritage and by re-doubling Federal commitments that help 
states and localities protect the open space and recreational 
opportunities that Americans cherish so deeply.
  Notwithstanding our current conservation debt, America has made many 
wise conservation investments over the years. Therefore, the Natural 
Resources Reinvestment Act is not spun entirely from whole cloth, but 
also improves upon those things we have done well. For example, the 
Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has served as the primary 
Federal source of funds for the acquisition of recreational lands since 
1965, has been a tremendous success by any measure. It has helped 
protect more than seven million acres of open space and contributed to 
the development of 37,000 parks and recreation areas across the 
country. Everglades and Saguaro National Parks, the Appalachian Trail, 
the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site, and Niagara Falls 
are few examples of treasured places across the country that have been 
created or protected with help from the Land and Water Conservation 
Fund.

[[Page S10696]]

  Because the Outer Continental Shelf petroleum royalty system is 
already in collecting billions of dollars every year, rather than 
introducing new taxes, this bill would simply ensure that taxes 
historically raised for conservation purposes actually result in 
conservation activity. Despite the notable successes and broad 
bipartisan support and authorization for $900 million dollars, Congress 
has failed to appropriate sufficient money for Land and Water 
Conservation Fund. More than $11 billion dollars of authorized 
conservation funding has been funneled back into the general treasury 
since the Fund was established. Again, this bill requires no new 
taxes----it simply ensures that existing revenues are spent on the 
conservation priorities that communities across the country have 
identified.
  The stateside portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund--the 
money that is supposed to help states and local communities direct 
their own conservation and recreation goals--has gone completely 
unfunded since 1995. This is particularly troubling for me because 
Connecticut has the smallest percentage of federally-owned land of any 
state in the union.
  The Natural Resources Reinvestment Act ensures that the Land and 
Water Conservation Fund will receive full authorized funding every 
year. The bill also builds on the success of the Fund, by authorizing a 
new program for State Lands of National or Regional Interest to help 
protect areas of unique ecological, recreational, aesthetic, or 
regional value that would not be eligible for traditional Land and 
Water Conservation Fund support. We also provide full funding for other 
successful programs with an existing claim on Outer Continental Shelf 
revenues, including the Historic Preservation Fund, and the Urban Park 
and Recreation Recovery program. Every year our bill will reinvest $250 
million dollars of Outer Continental Shelf petroleum revenues in State 
fish and wildlife conservation efforts, with special emphasis on 
projects that protect nongame and threatened or endangered species.
  The Natural Resources Reinvestment Act also creates a $900 million 
Environmental Stewardship Fund to be distributed to States for the 
purposes of conserving, protecting, and restoring their natural 
resources beyond what is required by current law. The Environmental 
Stewardship Fund is designed so that States have the flexibility to 
devise innovative solutions to their individual conservation 
challenges. This commitment to helping, but not dictating how, 
communities achieve their conservation goals is exceptionally 
important.
  Over the last year, the State of Connecticut has acquired 3,725 acres 
of open space worth more that $15 million dollars in 24 different 
municipalities. These open space purchases represent important steps 
toward the state goal of setting aside 21% of Connecticut land as open 
space. However, that goal is still more than 345,000 acres away from 
being reality. Each state has unique conservation and recreation 
priorities and the NRRA ensures that they will have flexible federal 
assistance they need to put their plans into practice. Because the NRRA 
would support diverse ideas and approaches to conserving and protecting 
the nation's natural and cultural resources, each state will also 
benefit from the innovation and lessons learned by other states from 
coast to coast.

  Finally, the Natural Resources Reinvestment Act clarifies and 
improves existing laws to leverage opportunities to protect farmland 
and watersheds, and mitigate the extent to which transportation 
projects encroach on open and green space. While these improvements are 
made in federal laws, they affect local decisions. For example, the 
NRRA amends the 1996 Farm Bill so that state and local conservation 
organizations can help acquire easements designed to maintain 
productive farmland as productive farms. This provision of the NRRA 
gives communities a powerful tool to help make sure that family farms 
are not squeezed out of American communities as cities and towns grow 
and prosper in the 21st century.
  By amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act so that up to 10% 
of the State Revolving Loan Fund can be used for matching grants to 
purchase land that protects watersheds, the NRRA recognizes that 
flexibility is critical for cost-effective delivery of clean and 
healthy drinking water to American homes and businesses. This provision 
of the NRRA recognizes that protecting watersheds--the Earth's natural 
water filtration and purification systems--by preserving open space can 
be an important and relatively inexpensive component of municipal water 
supply strategies.
  America's world-class network of roads and highways represents the 
foundation of our national commerce. It also embodies many families' 
tickets to staying in touch with friends and relatives across the 
country and their passports for exploring the beauty and history of our 
nation. The NRRA amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st 
century so that highway development funds can be used to purchase open 
space and green corridors that will help mitigate the effects of 
transportation-related growth and development.
  The Natural Resources Reinvestment Act represents a strong, renewed 
federal commitment to protecting our natural and historical resources 
nationwide at local, state, and regional levels. It demonstrates our 
dedication to ensuring that revenues from oil and gas leasing on 
federal lands are reinvested in our heritage for current and future 
generations alike. Mr. President, I ask that the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  The bill follows:

                                S. 1573

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Natural 
     Resources Reinvestment Act of 1999''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Stewardship Council.

             TITLE I--OPEN SPACE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Sec. 101. Findings and purposes.

              Subtitle A--Land and Water Conservation Fund

Sec. 111. Secure funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Sec. 112. Financial assistance to States.

             Subtitle B--Urban Park and Recreation Recovery

Sec. 121. Urban park and recreation recovery.

                   Subtitle C--Historic Preservation

Sec. 131. Historic Preservation Fund.

   Subtitle D--State Land and Water of National or Regional Interest

Sec. 141. State land and water of national or regional interest.

               Subtitle E--Payments for Federal Ownership

Sec. 151. Authorization of appropriations for payments for entitlement 
              land and the Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund.

                TITLE II--STATE CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE

Sec. 201. Short title.
Sec. 202. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 203. Definitions.
Sec. 204. Environmental Stewardship Fund.
Sec. 205. Apportionment of Fund receipts to States.
Sec. 206. Use of funds by States.
Sec. 207. State plans.
Sec. 208. Effect on leasing and development.

               TITLE III--FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Sec. 301. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 302. Definitions.
Sec. 303. Conservation programs.
Sec. 304. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund.
Sec. 305. Apportionment of Fund receipts to States.
Sec. 306. Technical amendments.

                  TITLE IV--NEW OPEN SPACE INITIATIVES

                         Subtitle A--Watersheds

Sec. 401. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 402. Land acquisition and restoration program.

                       Subtitle B--Transportation

Sec. 411. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 412. Surface transportation program.
Sec. 413. Federal-aid system.

                          Subtitle C--Farmland

Sec. 421. Farmland protection.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Leased tract.--The term ``leased tract'' means a 
     tract--
       (A) leased under section 8 of the Outer Continental Shelf 
     Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337) for the purpose of drilling for, 
     developing, and producing oil and natural gas resources; and
       (B) comprising a unit consisting of a block, a portion of a 
     block, or a combination of blocks or portions of blocks, as 
     specified in the lease, and as depicted on an outer 
     Continental Shelf Official Protraction Diagram.

[[Page S10697]]

       (2) Outer continental shelf.--The term ``outer Continental 
     Shelf'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the 
     Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331).
       (3) Qualified outer continental shelf revenues.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``qualified outer Continental 
     Shelf revenues'' means--
       (i) all sums received by the United States from each leased 
     tract or portion of a leased tract located in the western or 
     central Gulf of Mexico; less
       (ii) such sums as may be credited to States under section 
     8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 
     1337(g)) and amounts needed for adjustments and refunds as 
     overpayments for rents, royalties, or other purposes.
       (B) Inclusions.--The term ``qualified outer Continental 
     Shelf revenues'' includes royalties (including payments for 
     royalty taken in kind and sold), net profit share payments, 
     and related late-payment interest from natural gas and oil 
     leases granted under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 
     (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) for a leased tract or portion of a 
     leased tract described in subparagraph (A)(i).
       (4) Revenues.--The term ``revenues'' means all sums 
     received by the United States as rents, royalties (including 
     payments for royalty taken in kind and sold), net profit 
     share payments, and related late-payment interest from 
     natural gas and oil leases granted under the Outer 
     Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.).
       (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (6) Stewardship council.--The term ``Stewardship Council'' 
     means the interagency council established by section 3.

     SEC. 3. STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established an interagency 
     council to be known as the ``Land and Water Resource 
     Stewardship Council''.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Stewardship Council shall be composed 
     of the following members or their designees:
       (A) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency.
       (B) The Secretary of the Interior.
       (C) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
     Atmospheric Administration.
       (D) The Secretary of Agriculture.
       (E) 2 Members of the Senate--
       (i) to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and
       (ii) to serve in a nonvoting capacity.
       (F) 2 Members of the House of Representatives--
       (i) to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (ii) to serve in a nonvoting capacity.
       (2) Chairperson.--The members of the Stewardship Council 
     shall elect a Chairperson not less often than once every 2 
     years.
       (c) Duties.--
       (1) In general.--The Stewardship Council shall be 
     responsible for reviewing and selecting applications for 
     grants for State land and water of national or regional 
     interest under section 14 of the Land and Water Conservation 
     Fund Act of 1965 (as added by section 141 of this Act), 
     reviewing and approving the State plans required under 
     section 207, and coordinating technical assistance at the 
     request of any State, Indian tribe, or Territory.
       (2) Consultation.--In making decisions and reviewing State 
     plans, the Stewardship Council shall consult with and seek 
     recommendations from other appropriate Federal agencies.
       (d) Frequency of Meetings.--The President shall--
       (1) convene the first meeting of the Stewardship Council 
     not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act; and
       (2) convene additional meetings as often as appropriate, 
     but not less often than quarterly, to ensure that this Act is 
     fully carried out.
       (e) Procedures.--
       (1) Quorum.--Three members of the Stewardship Council shall 
     constitute a quorum.
       (2) Voting and meeting procedures.--The Stewardship Council 
     shall establish procedures for voting and the conduct of 
     meetings by the Stewardship Council.
             TITLE I--OPEN SPACE AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION

     SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) Congress enacted the land and water conservation fund 
     in 1964 and the Historic Preservation Fund in 1976, and 
     provided that revenues from activities in the outer 
     Continental Shelf would fund each program;
       (2) however, since 1964, of $21,000,000,000 authorized for 
     the land and water conservation fund, only $9,000,000,000 has 
     been appropriated, and since 1977, of $2,776,000,000 
     authorized for the Historic Preservation Fund, only 
     $845,000,000 has been appropriated;
       (3) prior to dedicating outer Continental Shelf revenues 
     for new programs to benefit the Nation, Congress should 
     dedicate outer Continental Shelf revenues to the original 
     purposes for which those funds were intended;
       (4) since the establishment of the land and water 
     conservation fund, the fund has been responsible for the 
     preservation of nearly 7,000,000 acres of park land, refuges, 
     and open spaces, and the development of more than 37,000 
     State and local parks and recreation projects;
       (5) since the establishment of the Historic Preservation 
     Fund, the fund has been responsible for identifying more than 
     1,000,000 historic sites throughout the United States and 
     certifying 1,145 local governments as partners in preserving 
     historic sites;
       (6) as the loss of open space and the phenomenon of sprawl 
     in rural, suburban, and urban areas of the Nation continues 
     to increase, it is increasingly important to conserve 
     natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Nation;
       (7) the land and water conservation fund and the Historic 
     Preservation Fund serve valuable purposes to address the 
     needs of the Nation today as they did when they were enacted, 
     and they are vital programs to assist State and local 
     governments in their efforts to address those needs;
       (8) the land and water conservation fund should be 
     augmented to provide a new program to encourage State, local, 
     and private partnerships for conservation of non-Federal land 
     of national and regional significance that will fulfill 
     national conservation priorities while allowing the land to 
     remain under State and local control; and
       (9) the purposes of the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery 
     Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.) and payments in lieu of 
     taxes are consonant with those of the land and water 
     conservation fund and the Historic Preservation Fund, and 
     complement those programs.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are--
       (1) to provide a secure source of funding for Federal land 
     acquisition to meet State, local, and urban conservation and 
     recreation needs through the Land and Water Conservation Fund 
     Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) and the Urban Park and 
     Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.); and
       (2) to recognize and to preserve the historic places of the 
     United States through the National Historic Preservation Act 
     (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).
              Subtitle A--Land and Water Conservation Fund

     SEC. 111. SECURE FUNDING FOR THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION 
                   FUND.

       Section 3 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 
     1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Sec. 3. Appropriations.--Moneys'' and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 3. APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), 
     moneys''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Special Appropriation.--
       ``(1) In general.--For each of fiscal years 1999 through 
     2015, from qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues (as 
     defined in section 2 of the Natural Resources Reinvestment 
     Act of 1999) covered into the fund in the preceding fiscal 
     year, there is appropriated the lesser of--
       ``(A) $900,000,000; or
       ``(B) the amount that is equal to 34 percent of the amount 
     of qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues covered into 
     the fund during the preceding fiscal year;
     to remain available until expended.
       ``(2) Purposes.--
       ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 5, for each of 
     fiscal years 1999 through 2015, funds appropriated by 
     paragraph (1) shall be available for the purposes specified 
     in this paragraph.
       ``(B) Administrative expenses.--
       ``(i) In general.--Of the amount made available for a 
     fiscal year by paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior 
     may deduct not more than 2 percent for payment of 
     administrative expenses incurred in carrying out this 
     subsection.
       ``(ii) Period of availability.--A deduction by the 
     Secretary under clause (i) for a fiscal year shall be 
     available for obligation by the Secretary until September 30 
     of the following fiscal year.
       ``(iii) Distribution of unobligated funds.--Not later than 
     60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     distribute under subparagraphs (C) and (D) any unobligated 
     amount of a deduction under clause (i) for which the period 
     of availability under clause (ii) terminated on September 30 
     of the fiscal year.
       ``(C) Federal purposes.--Of the amount made available for a 
     fiscal year by paragraph (1) remaining after the deduction 
     under subparagraph (B)(i), 50 percent shall be available for 
     Federal purposes under section 7.
       ``(D) State purposes.--
       ``(i) In general.--Of the amount made available for a 
     fiscal year by paragraph (1) remaining after the deduction 
     under subparagraph (B)(i), 50 percent shall be available for 
     providing financial assistance to States under section 6 and 
     for any other State purpose authorized under this Act.
       ``(ii) Distribution.--Amounts made available by clause (i) 
     shall be distributed among States in accordance with section 
     6.
       ``(iii) Local government share.--Not less than 50 percent 
     of the amount provided to a State for each fiscal year under 
     this subparagraph shall be provided by the State to local 
     governments to provide natural areas, open space, park land, 
     or recreational areas.
       ``(3) Annual budget submissions.--
       ``(A) In general.--In the annual budget submission of the 
     President for the fiscal year concerned, the President shall 
     specify the specific purposes for which the funds made 
     available under paragraph (2)(C) are to be used by the 
     Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.
       ``(B) Use by secretaries.--Funds made available for a 
     fiscal year under paragraph

[[Page S10698]]

     (2)(C) shall be used by the Secretary concerned for the 
     purposes specified by the President in the annual budget 
     submission of the President for the fiscal year unless 
     Congress, in the general appropriation Acts for the 
     Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture 
     for the fiscal year, specifies that any part of the funds is 
     to be used by the Secretary concerned for another purpose.
       ``(4) Priority lists.--
       ``(A) In general.--For the purposes of assisting the 
     President in preparing an annual budget submission under 
     paragraph (3), the Secretary of the Interior and the 
     Secretary of Agriculture shall prepare Federal priority lists 
     for the expenditure of funds made available under paragraph 
     (2)(C).
       ``(B) Consultation.--The priority lists shall be prepared 
     in consultation with the head of the affected bureau or 
     agency, taking into account the best professional judgment 
     regarding the land acquisition priorities and policies of the 
     bureau or agency.
       ``(C) Factors.--In preparing the priority lists, the 
     Secretaries shall consider--
       ``(i) the potential adverse impacts that might result if a 
     land acquisition is not undertaken;
       ``(ii) the availability of a land appraisal and other 
     information necessary to complete the acquisition in a timely 
     manner; and
       ``(iii) such other factors as the Secretaries consider 
     appropriate.''.

     SEC. 112. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES.

       (a) Allocation of Amounts Available for State Purposes.--
     Section 6 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 
     (16 U.S.C. 460l-8) is amended by striking subsection (b) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(b) Distribution Among States.--
       ``(1) In general.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary 
     shall distribute sums made available from the fund for State 
     purposes among the States in accordance with this subsection. 
     The determination of the distribution by the Secretary shall 
     be final.
       ``(2) Formula.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     distribute the sums made available from the fund for State 
     purposes as follows:
       ``(A) 30 percent shall be distributed equally among the 
     States.
       ``(B) 70 percent shall be distributed among the States 
     based on the ratio that--
       ``(i) the population of each State; bears to
       ``(ii) the total population of all States.
       ``(3) Maximum allocation.--For each fiscal year, the total 
     allocation to any 1 State under paragraph (2) shall not 
     exceed 10 percent of the total amount allocated to all States 
     under this subsection for the fiscal year.
       ``(4) Treatment of district of columbia, territories, and 
     indian tribes.--
       ``(A) Allocation.--For the purpose of paragraph (2)(A)--
       ``(i) the District of Columbia shall be treated as 1 State;
       ``(ii) Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American 
     Samoa--

       ``(I) shall be treated collectively as 1 State; and
       ``(II) shall each be allocated an equal share of the amount 
     distributed under subclause (I); and

       ``(iii) Indian tribes, and Alaska Native villages and 
     Regional or Village Corporations (as defined or established 
     pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 
     U.S.C. 1601 et seq.))--

       ``(I) shall be treated collectively as 1 State; and
       ``(II) shall be allocated the amount distributed under 
     subclause (I) in a manner determined by the Secretary of the 
     Interior.

       ``(B) Other purposes.--Each of the areas referred to in 
     subparagraph (A), and each Indian tribe, shall be treated as 
     a State for all other purposes of this Act.
       ``(5) Availability of allocations.--
       ``(A) In general.--For each fiscal year--
       ``(i) the Secretary shall notify each State of the 
     allocation to the State under this subsection; and
       ``(ii) the allocation shall be available to the State, 
     after the date of notification to the State, for planning, 
     acquisition, or development projects in accordance with this 
     Act.
       ``(B) Period of availability.--Any amount of an allocation 
     to a State that is not paid or obligated by the Secretary 
     during the period consisting of the fiscal year in which 
     notification is provided under subparagraph (A) and the 2 
     fiscal years thereafter shall be redistributed by the 
     Secretary in accordance with this subsection, without regard 
     to paragraph (3).''.
       (b) State Plan.--Section 6 of the Land and Water 
     Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-8) is amended 
     by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) State Plan.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--
       ``(A) In general.--To be eligible for financial assistance 
     for acquisition or development projects under this Act, a 
     State, in consultation with local subdivisions, nonprofit and 
     private organizations, and interested citizens, shall prepare 
     and submit to the Secretary a State plan that meets the 
     requirements of this paragraph.
       ``(B) Suitable plan.--To meet the requirement for a plan 
     under subparagraph (A), a State may use, in accordance with 
     criteria developed by the Secretary, a comprehensive 
     statewide outdoor recreation plan, a State recreation plan, 
     or a State action agenda, if--
       ``(i) in the judgment of the Secretary, the plan or agenda 
     encompasses and furthers the purposes of this Act; and
       ``(ii) the Governor of the State certifies that the plan or 
     agenda was developed (and revised, if applicable) with ample 
     opportunity for public participation.
       ``(C) Criteria for public participation.--In consultation 
     with appropriate persons and entities, the Secretary shall 
     develop criteria for public participation which shall 
     constitute the basis for certification by the Governor under 
     subparagraph (B)(ii).
       ``(D) Required elements.--A State plan under subparagraph 
     (A) shall contain--
       ``(i) the name of the State agency that has the authority 
     to represent and act for the State in dealing with the 
     Secretary for the purposes of this Act;
       ``(ii) an evaluation of the demand for and supply of 
     outdoor conservation, recreation, and open space resources in 
     the State;
       ``(iii) a program for the implementation of the plan; and
       ``(iv) such other information as the Secretary determines 
     to be necessary.
       ``(E) Consideration of other resources, programs, and 
     plans.--A State plan under subparagraph (A) shall--
       ``(i) take into account relevant Federal resources and 
     programs; and
       ``(ii) be coordinated to the maximum extent practicable 
     with other State, regional, and local plans.
       ``(2) Financial assistance for preparation or maintenance 
     of state plan.--The Secretary may provide financial 
     assistance to a State for--
       ``(A) the development of a State plan under paragraph (1) 
     if the State does not have a State plan; or
       ``(B) the maintenance of a State plan.''.
       (c) Projects for Land and Water Acquisition.--Section 
     6(e)(1) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 
     (16 U.S.C. 460l-8(e)(1)) is amended in the first paragraph by 
     striking ``, but not including incidental costs relating to 
     acquisition''.
       (d) Conversion to Other Than Public Outdoor Recreation 
     Uses.--Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund 
     Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-8(f)) is amended by striking 
     paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Conversion to other than public outdoor recreation 
     uses.--
       ``(A) In general.--No property acquired or developed with 
     assistance under this section shall, without the approval of 
     the Secretary, be converted to other than public outdoor 
     recreation uses.
       ``(B) Approval of conversion.--
       ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the 
     Secretary shall approve the conversion of property under this 
     paragraph only if the State demonstrates that no prudent or 
     feasible alternative exists to the conversion of the 
     property.
       ``(ii) Exceptions.--Clause (i) does not apply to a property 
     that--

       ``(I) is no longer viable for use for an outdoor 
     conservation or recreation facility because of a change in 
     demographic conditions; or
       ``(II) must be abandoned because of environmental 
     contamination that endangers public health or safety.

       ``(C) Substitution of other conservation or recreation 
     property.--
       ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), any conversion 
     of property under this paragraph shall satisfy any conditions 
     that the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure the 
     substitution of other conservation or recreation property of 
     at least equal market value and reasonably equivalent 
     usefulness and location, in a manner consistent with the 
     State plan required under subsection (d).
       ``(ii) Wetland.--Wetland and interests in wetland that are 
     identified in a State plan and proposed to be acquired as 
     suitable replacement property within the State and that are 
     otherwise acceptable to the Secretary shall be considered to 
     be of reasonably equivalent usefulness to the property 
     proposed for conversion.''.
       (e) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 6(e) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund 
     Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-8(e)) is amended--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``State comprehensive plan'' and inserting ``State plan''; 
     and
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, or wetland areas and 
     interests therein as identified in the wetlands provisions of 
     the comprehensive plan''.
       (2) Section 32(e) of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 
     U.S.C. 1011(e)) is amended in the last proviso of the first 
     paragraph by striking ``existing comprehensive statewide 
     outdoor recreation plan found adequate for purposes of the 
     Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (78 Stat. 897)'' 
     and inserting ``State plan required by section 6 of the Land 
     and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-8)''.
       (3) Section 102(a)(2) of the National Historic Preservation 
     Act (16 U.S.C. 470b(a)(2)) is amended by striking 
     ``comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan prepared 
     pursuant to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 
     (78 Stat. 897)'' and inserting ``State plan required by 
     section 6 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 
     (16 U.S.C. 460l-8)''.
       (4) Section 8(a) of the National Trails System Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1247(a)) is amended in the first sentence--
       (A) by striking ``comprehensive statewide outdoor 
     recreation plans'' and inserting ``State plans''; and

[[Page S10699]]

       (B) by inserting ``of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.)'' 
     after ``Fund Act''.
       (5) Section 11(a)(2) of the National Trails System Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1250(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``(relating to the 
     development of Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation 
     Plans)'' and inserting ``(16 U.S.C. 460l-8) (relating to the 
     development of State plans)''.
       (6) Section 11 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 
     1282) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) by striking ``comprehensive statewide outdoor 
     recreation plans'' and inserting ``State plans''; and
       (ii) by striking ``(78 Stat. 897)'' and inserting ``(16 
     U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.)''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ``(relating to the 
     development of statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation 
     plans)'' and inserting ``(16 U.S.C. 460l-8) (relating to the 
     development of State plans)''.
       (7) Section 206(d) of title 23, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``statewide 
     comprehensive outdoor recreation plan required by the Land 
     and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et 
     seq.)'' and inserting ``State plan required by section 6 of 
     the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 
     460l-8)''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)(D)(ii), by striking ``statewide 
     comprehensive outdoor recreation plan that is required by the 
     Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-
     4 et seq.)'' and inserting ``State plan that is required by 
     section 6 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 
     (16 U.S.C. 460l-8)''.
       (8) Section 202(c)(9) of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712(c)(9)) is amended by 
     striking ``statewide outdoor recreation plans developed under 
     the Act of September 3, 1964 (78 Stat. 897), as amended'' and 
     inserting ``State plans required by section 6 of the Land and 
     Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-8)''.
             Subtitle B--Urban Park and Recreation Recovery

     SEC. 121. URBAN PARK AND RECREATION RECOVERY.

       (a) Authority To Develop New Areas and Facilities.--Section 
     1003 of the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 
     (16 U.S.C. 2502) is amended in the first sentence by striking 
     areas, facilities,'' and inserting ``areas and facilities, 
     development of new recreation areas and facilities (including 
     acquisition of land for such development),''.
       (b) Definitions.--Section 1004 of the Urban Park and 
     Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2503) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (j)--
       (A) by striking ``Governor;'' and inserting ``Governor, the 
     District of Columbia,''; and
       (B) by striking ``and'' at the end of the subsection;
       (2) in subsection (k), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) `acquisition grants' means matching capital grants to 
     general purpose local governments and special purpose local 
     governments to cover the direct and incidental costs of 
     purchasing new park land to be permanently dedicated and made 
     accessible for public conservation and recreation; and
       ``(m) `development grants' means matching capital grants to 
     general purpose local governments and special purpose local 
     governments to cover the costs of developing and constructing 
     existing or new neighborhood recreation sites, including 
     indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, support facilities, 
     and landscaping, but excluding routine maintenance and upkeep 
     activities.''.
       (c) Federal Assistance Grants.--Section 1005 of the Urban 
     Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2504) is 
     amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Eligibility.--
       ``(1) In general.--Eligibility of general purpose local 
     governments to compete for assistance under this title shall 
     be based on need, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(2) Eligible governments.--General purpose local 
     governments that are eligible to compete for assistance under 
     this title include--
       ``(A) a political subdivision included in a consolidated 
     metropolitan statistical area, primary metropolitan 
     statistical area, or metropolitan statistical area, as those 
     terms are used in the most recent census;
       ``(B) any other city or town within an area referred to in 
     subparagraph (A) with a total population of 50,000 
     individuals or more in the 1970 or any subsequent census; and
       ``(C) any other political subdivision, county, parish, or 
     township with a total population of 250,000 individuals or 
     more in the 1970 or any subsequent census.''.
       (d) Rehabilitation and Innovation Grants.--Section 1006(a) 
     of the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (16 
     U.S.C. 2505(a)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``rehabilitation and innovative grants directly'' and 
     inserting ``rehabilitation grants, innovation grants, 
     development grants, or acquisition grants'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``rehabilitation and innovation grants'' 
     and inserting ``rehabilitation grants, innovation grants, 
     development grants, and acquisition grants''; and
       (B) by striking ``authorities: Provided,'' and all that 
     follows through ``eligible applicant'' and inserting 
     ``authorities, except that the grantee of a grant under this 
     section shall provide assurances to the Secretary that the 
     grantee will maintain public conservation and recreation 
     opportunities at assisted areas and facilities owned or 
     managed by the grantee in accordance with section 1010''; and
       (3) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``rehabilitation or 
     innovative projects'' and inserting ``projects eligible for 
     rehabilitation grants, innovation grants, development grants, 
     or acquisition grants''; and
       (B) in the second sentence, by striking ``, except'' and 
     all that follows and inserting ``and on a reimbursable 
     basis.''.
       (e) Recovery Action Programs.--Section 1007(a) of the Urban 
     Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2506(a)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence, by inserting ``development,'' 
     after ``commitments to ongoing planning,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``development and'' 
     after ``adequate planning for''.
       (f) State Action Incentives.--Section 1008 of the Urban 
     Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2507) is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before the first 
     sentence; and
       (2) by striking the last sentence of subsection (a) (as 
     designated by paragraph (1)) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Coordination With Land and Water Conservation Fund 
     Activities.--
       ``(1) Preparation of programs and plans.--The Secretary and 
     general purpose local governments are encouraged to 
     coordinate preparation of recovery action programs required 
     by section 1007 with development of State plans required 
     under section 6 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act 
     of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-8), including by allowing flexibility 
     in preparation of recovery action programs so that the 
     programs may be used to meet State and local requirements for 
     receipt by local governments of--
       ``(A) funds provided as grants from the land and water 
     conservation fund; or
       ``(B) State grants for similar purposes or for other 
     conservation or recreation purposes.
       ``(2) Consideration of findings, priorities, strategies, 
     and schedules.--The Secretary shall encourage States to 
     consider the findings, priorities, strategies, and schedules 
     included in the recovery action programs of urban local 
     governments in the development and revision of State plans in 
     accordance with the public participation and coordination 
     requirements of section 6(d) of the Land and Water 
     Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-8(d)).''.
       (g) Conversion of Recreation Property.--The Urban Park and 
     Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 is amended by striking 
     section 1010 (16 U.S.C. 2509) and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1010. CONVERSION OF RECREATION PROPERTY.

       ``(a) In General.--No property acquired, improved, or 
     developed under this title shall, without the approval of the 
     Secretary, be converted to other than public recreation uses.
       ``(b) Approval of Conversion.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall approve the conversion of property under this 
     section only if the grantee demonstrates that no prudent or 
     feasible alternative exists to the conversion of the 
     property.
       ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to a 
     property that--
       ``(A) is no longer a viable recreation facility due to a 
     change in demographic conditions; or
       ``(B) must be abandoned because of environmental 
     contamination that endangers public health or safety.
       ``(c) Substitution of Other Conservation or Recreation 
     Property.--Any conversion of property under this section 
     shall satisfy any conditions that the Secretary determines to 
     be necessary to ensure the substitution of other conservation 
     or recreation property of at least equal market value and 
     reasonably equivalent usefulness and location, in a manner 
     consistent with the 5-year action program for park and 
     recreation recovery required under section 1007(a).''.
       (h) Funding.--Section 1013 of the Urban Park and Recreation 
     Recovery Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2512) is amended--
       (1) by striking the section heading and all that follows 
     through ``There are hereby'' and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 1013. FUNDING.

       ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Special Appropriation.--For each of fiscal years 1999 
     through 2015, from revenues due and payable to the United 
     States as qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues (as 
     defined in section 2 of the Natural Resources Reinvestment 
     Act of 1999), there is appropriated, for the purpose of 
     making grants to local governments under this Act, the lesser 
     of--
       ``(1) $100,000,000; or
       ``(2) the amount that is equal to 4 percent of those 
     revenues;
     to remain available until expended.
       (i) Limitation on Use of Funds.--Section 1014 of the Urban 
     Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2513) is 
     repealed.
                   Subtitle C--Historic Preservation

     SEC. 131. HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND.

       Section 108 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 
     U.S.C. 470h) is amended--

[[Page S10700]]

       (1) by striking ``Sec. 108. To'' and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 108. HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND.

       ``(a) Establishment.--To'';
       (2) in subsection (a) (as designated by paragraph (1)), by 
     striking ``There shall be covered into such fund'' and all 
     that follows through ``(43 U.S.C. 338),'' and inserting 
     ``There shall be deposited in the fund for each fiscal year 
     after fiscal year 1999, from revenues due and payable to the 
     United States as qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues 
     (as defined in section 2 of the Natural Resources 
     Reinvestment Act of 1999), the lesser of $150,000,000 or the 
     amount that is equal to 5 percent of those revenues.'';
       (3) by striking the third sentence of subsection (a) (as so 
     designated by paragraph (1)) and all that follows through the 
     end of the subsection and inserting ``Such moneys shall be 
     used only to carry out this Act.''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Availability.--Of amounts in the fund, up to 
     $150,000,000 shall be available fiscal year 2000 and each 
     fiscal year thereafter, for obligation or expenditure without 
     further Act of appropriation to carry out this Act, and shall 
     remain available until expended.
       ``(c) Investment.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     invest moneys in the fund that are excess to expenditures in 
     public debt securities with maturities suitable to the needs 
     of the fund, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, 
     and bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of 
     the Treasury, taking into consideration current market yields 
     on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of 
     comparable maturity. Interest earned on such investments 
     shall be deposited in the fund.''.
   Subtitle D--State Land and Water of National or Regional Interest

     SEC. 141. STATE LAND AND WATER OF NATIONAL OR REGIONAL 
                   INTEREST.

       Title I of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 
     (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end 
     the following:

     ``SEC. 14. STATE LAND AND WATER OF NATIONAL OR REGIONAL 
                   INTEREST.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
       ``(1) Account.--The term `account' means the special 
     account for conservation of State land and water of national 
     or regional interest established under subsection (b).
       ``(2) Council.--The term `Council' means the Stewardship 
     Council established by section 3 of the Natural Resources 
     Reinvestment Act of 1999.
       ``(3) State land and water of national or regional 
     interest.--The term `State land and water of national or 
     regional interest' means land or water located in a State 
     that is--
       ``(A) determined by the State to be of clear national or 
     regional significance based on the ecological, aesthetic, 
     recreational, and cultural value of the land or water; and
       ``(B) not owned by the Federal Government (including any 
     unit of the National Park System, National Forest System, 
     National Wildlife Refuge System, or National Wilderness 
     System).
       ``(b) State Land and Water of National or Regional Interest 
     Account.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is established in the fund a 
     special account to provide grants to States for the 
     conservation of State land and water of national or regional 
     interest.
       ``(2) Allocation.--Notwithstanding section 5, there shall 
     be credited annually to the account, from qualified outer 
     Continental Shelf revenues (as defined in section 2 of the 
     Natural Resources Reinvestment Act of 1999), the lesser of 
     $200,000,000 or the amount that is equal to 7 percent of 
     those revenues.
       ``(c) Grants to States.--
       ``(1) In general.--A State may submit an application 
     (including a detailed description of each proposed 
     conservation project) to the Secretary for a grant to fund 
     the conservation of State land and water of national or 
     regional interest.
       ``(2) Forwarding of applications.--On receipt of an 
     application for a grant described in paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall forward the application to the Council.
       ``(3) Selection of grant recipients.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receipt 
     from the Secretary of an application described in paragraph 
     (1), the Council shall--
       ``(i) review the application;
       ``(ii) decide whether to recommend that a grant to fund the 
     conservation of State land and water of national or regional 
     interest be awarded to the State making the application; and
       ``(iii) notify the State of the decision of the Council.
       ``(B) Selection factors.--In deciding whether to recommend 
     the award of a grant under subparagraph (A), the Council 
     shall--
       ``(i) consider, on a competitive basis as compared with 
     other applications received, the extent to which a proposed 
     conservation project described in a grant application would 
     conserve ecological, aesthetic, recreational, and cultural 
     values of the State land and water of national or regional 
     interest; and
       ``(ii) give preference to--

       ``(I) proposed conservation projects that are aimed at 
     protecting ecosystems; and
       ``(II) proposed conservation projects that are developed in 
     collaboration with private persons or other States.

       ``(4) Matching requirements.--A grant awarded to a State 
     under this subsection shall cover--
       ``(A) not more than 70 percent of the costs of a 
     conservation project undertaken by the State, in the case of 
     full fee acquisition by the State of State land and water of 
     national or regional interest; and
       ``(B) not more than 50 percent of the costs of a 
     conservation project undertaken by the State, in the case of 
     acquisition of State land and water of national or regional 
     interest by the State that is less than fee acquisition, such 
     as acquisition of a conservation easement.
       ``(5) Report.--At least 90 days before awarding a grant to 
     a State under this section, the Council shall submit a report 
     describing the proposed grant to--
       ``(A) the Subcommittee on Interior of the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the Senate; and
       ``(B) the Subcommittee on Interior of the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives.''.
               Subtitle E--Payments for Federal Ownership

     SEC. 151. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR PAYMENTS FOR 
                   ENTITLEMENT LAND AND THE REFUGE REVENUE SHARING 
                   FUND.

       (a) Entitlement Land.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated for payments to units of general local 
     government under chapter 69 of title 31, United States Code, 
     for entitlement land acquired after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, $50,000,000.
       (b) Refuge Revenue Sharing Fund.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated for payments required under the Act of June 15, 
     1935 (16 U.S.C. 715s), for refuge land acquired after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, $25,000,000.
                TITLE II--STATE CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``State Conservation 
     Assistance Grants Act of 1999''.

     SEC. 202. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the outer Continental Shelf contains oil, gas, and 
     other nonrenewable resources owned by the public that are 
     developed by the Federal Government and generate significant 
     revenues for the United States;
       (2) historically, the development of those mineral 
     resources has been accompanied by adverse environmental 
     impacts on the States adjacent to the outer Continental Shelf 
     in which development has occurred;
       (3) consistent with the commitment to devote revenues from 
     offshore oil and gas leases to resource protection through 
     the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 
     460l-4 et seq.), a portion of revenues derived from the 
     development of mineral resources of the outer Continental 
     Shelf should be reinvested in the United States through 
     conservation of environmental and other public resources, 
     including open and green spaces, habitat for fish and 
     wildlife, wetland, historic sites, parks and other outdoor 
     recreation areas, clean air, and clean water;
       (4) the need to reinvest in the public resources described 
     in paragraph (3) has increased significantly, because the 
     United States has experienced unprecedented prosperity, 
     growth, and development that have intensified stress on the 
     natural environment;
       (5) in recent years, numerous State and local governments, 
     as well as citizens throughout the United States, have 
     initiated efforts to conserve, protect, and restore those 
     resources; and
       (6) the priority for carrying out measures to protect and 
     conserve the public resources described in paragraph (3) 
     should be determined--
       (A) at the State and local levels, by individuals who have 
     the greatest interest in enhancing the quality of life in 
     their communities; and
       (B) in cooperation with the Federal Government, which has 
     an interest in protecting the resources of the United States.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to establish a 
     program to provide a reliable source of Federal funding for 
     States to carry out activities to conserve, protect, and 
     restore the natural resources of the United States, including 
     water and air quality, fish and wildlife habitat, marine, 
     estuarine, and coastal ecosystems, wetland, farmland, forest 
     land, and parks and other places of outdoor recreation.

     SEC. 203. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Coastline.--The term ``coastline'' has meaning given 
     the term ``coast line'' in section 2 of the Submerged Lands 
     Act (43 U.S.C. 1301).
       (2) Distance.--The term ``distance'' means minimum great 
     circle distance, measured in statute miles.
       (3) Eligible applicant.--The term ``eligible applicant'' 
     means a State, a municipality (including a subdivision of a 
     State or municipality), or an interstate agency.
       (4) Estimated population.--The term ``estimated 
     population'' means the population determined by the Secretary 
     of Commerce on the basis of the most recent decennial census 
     for which information is available.
       (5) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Environmental 
     Stewardship Fund established by section 204.
       (6) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means the chief 
     executive officer of a State.
       (7) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 102 of the Federally 
     Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a).
       (8) Population density.--The term ``population density'', 
     with respect to a State,

[[Page S10701]]

     means the quotient obtained by dividing the estimated 
     population of the State by the geographic area of the State.
       (9) State.--The term ``State'' means--
       (A) any of the 50 States, the Territories, and the District 
     of Columbia; and
       (B)(i) when used in a political sense, the tribal 
     government of an Indian tribe; and
       (ii) when used in a geographic sense, the land under the 
     jurisdiction of the tribal government of an Indian tribe.
       (10) Territory.--The term ``Territory'' means Puerto Rico, 
     Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

     SEC. 204. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FUND.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of 
     the United States a fund to be known as the ``Environmental 
     Stewardship Fund', to be used in carrying out this title, 
     consisting of--
       (1) such amounts as are deposited in the Fund under 
     subsection (b); and
       (2) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the 
     Fund under subsection (c).
       (b) Transfers to Fund.--Notwithstanding section 9 of the 
     Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1338), for each 
     fiscal year, there shall be deposited in the Fund from 
     qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues the lesser of 
     $900,000,000 or the amount that is equal to 34 percent of the 
     amount of those revenues.
       (c) Expenditures From Fund.--On request by the Stewardship 
     Council, and without further Act of appropriation, the 
     Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from the Fund to the 
     Stewardship Council such amounts as the Stewardship Council 
     determines are necessary to carry out this title.
       (d) Investment of Amounts.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest 
     such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the 
     Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current 
     withdrawals. Investments may be made only in interest-bearing 
     obligations of the United States.
       (2) Acquisition of obligations.--For the purpose of 
     investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be 
     acquired--
       (A) on original issue at the issue price; or
       (B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market 
     price.
       (3) Sale of obligations.--Any obligation acquired by the 
     Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at the 
     market price.
       (4) Credits to fund.--The interest on, and the proceeds 
     from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the 
     Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
       (e) Transfers of Amounts.--
       (1) In general.--The amounts required to be transferred to 
     the Fund under this section shall be transferred at least 
     monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Fund on 
     the basis of estimates made by the Secretary of the Treasury.
       (2) Adjustments.--Proper adjustment shall be made in 
     amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior 
     estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required 
     to be transferred.

     SEC. 205. APPORTIONMENT OF FUND RECEIPTS TO STATES.

       (a) Administrative Expenses.--For each fiscal year, without 
     further Act of appropriation, the Stewardship Council may 
     use, for payment of administrative expenses incurred in 
     carrying out this title, not more than 2 percent of the sums 
     deposited in the Fund for the preceding fiscal year.
       (b) Available Amount.--For each fiscal year, without 
     further Act of appropriation, the Secretary of the Treasury 
     shall distribute in accordance with this section an amount 
     equal to the sum of--
       (1) the amount of the sums deposited in the Fund for the 
     preceding fiscal year remaining after the use authorized 
     under subsection (a); and
       (2) the interest earned on investment of those sums under 
     section 204(d) for the preceding fiscal year.
       (c) Apportionment.--
       (1) Apportionment to historically oil and gas productive 
     coastal states.--
       (A) In general.--For each fiscal year, the Stewardship 
     Council shall apportion from the amount available under 
     subsection (b) the amount specified in subparagraph (B) for 
     the fiscal year to coastal States any portion of the 
     coastline of which is located within a distance of 200 miles 
     of the geographic center of a leased tract that was leased at 
     any time during the period of 1953 through 1997, and produced 
     oil or gas during that period, based on the ratio that--
       (i) the revenues received during that period from the 
     leased tracts the geographic centers of which are located 
     within a distance of 200 miles of any portion of the 
     coastline of the coastal State; bears to
       (ii) the total of the revenues described in clause (i) with 
     respect to all such coastal States.
       (B) Amounts.--The amount specified in this subparagraph 
     is--
       (i) for fiscal year 2000, $100,000,000;
       (ii) for fiscal year 2001, $80,000,000;
       (iii) for fiscal year 2002, $60,000,000;
       (iv) for fiscal year 2003, $40,000,000;
       (v) for fiscal year 2004, $20,000,000; and
       (vi) for fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter, 
     $10,000,000.
       (2) Apportionment to indian tribes, district of columbia, 
     and territories.--
       (A) Apportionment to indian tribes.--For each fiscal year, 
     0.5 percent of the portion of the amount available under 
     subsection (b) remaining after the apportionments under 
     paragraph (1) shall be apportioned to the Indian tribes 
     collectively, to be distributed by the Secretary.
       (B) Apportionment to the district of columbia and 
     territories.--For each fiscal year, 0.5 percent of the 
     portion of the amount available under subsection (b) 
     remaining after the apportionments under paragraph (1) shall 
     be apportioned to the District of Columbia and the 
     Territories collectively, to be distributed in equal amounts 
     among the District of Columbia and each of the Territories.
       (3) Apportionment to other states.--
       (A) In general.--For each fiscal year, the portion of the 
     amount available under subsection (b) remaining after the 
     apportionments under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be 
     apportioned to the States not receiving an apportionment 
     under paragraph (2) as follows:
       (i) 25 percent in the ratio that the miles of coastline in 
     each such State bears to the total miles of coastline in all 
     such States.
       (ii) 25 percent in the ratio that the geographic area of 
     each such State bears to the total geographic area of all 
     such States.
       (iii) 35 percent in the ratio that the estimated population 
     of each such State bears to the total estimated population of 
     all such States.
       (iv) 15 percent in the ratio that the population density of 
     each such State bears to the sum of the population densities 
     of all such States.
       (B) Minimum and maximum apportionments.--For each fiscal 
     year, the amounts apportioned under this paragraph shall be 
     adjusted proportionately so that no State receiving an 
     apportionment under subparagraph (A) is apportioned a sum 
     that is--
       (i) less than 0.5 percent of the portion of the amount 
     available under subsection (b) remaining after the 
     apportionments under paragraph (1) for the fiscal year; or
       (ii) more than 5 percent of that amount.
       (d) Period for Obligation of Apportionments.--If the 
     Secretary of the Treasury determines that any portion of an 
     apportionment to a State has not been obligated by the State 
     during the fiscal year for which the apportionment is made or 
     during the 2 fiscal years thereafter, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury shall--
       (1) reduce, by the amount of the unobligated portion of the 
     State's apportionment, the apportionment to the State for the 
     succeeding fiscal year; and
       (2) apportion to the States during that fiscal year, in 
     accordance with subsection (c), the amount of the unobligated 
     portion.

     SEC. 206. USE OF FUNDS BY STATES.

       (a) Historically Oil and Gas Productive Coastal States.--
     Each State described in section 205(c)(1)(A) shall use--
       (1) not more than 27 percent of the apportionment to the 
     State under section 205(c)(2)--
       (A) to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts resulting 
     from the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of 
     outer Continental Shelf facilities beyond the mitigation 
     required under other law;
       (B) to pay administrative costs incurred by the State or a 
     political subdivision of the State in approving, 
     disapproving, or permitting outer Continental Shelf 
     development and production activities under applicable law, 
     including the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 
     1451 et seq.) and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 
     U.S.C. 1331 et seq.); and
       (C) to repurchase leases for outer Continental Shelf 
     development and production; and
       (2) the balance of the apportionment to the State under 
     section 205 to fund activities described in subsection (c).
       (b) Other States.--
       (1) In general.--Amounts apportioned under section 205 to a 
     State other than a State subject to subsection (a) shall be 
     used to make grants to eligible applicants to pay the Federal 
     share of the cost of carrying out eligible activities 
     described in subsection (c).
       (2) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     carrying out an eligible activity shall be determined by the 
     Governor, but shall not exceed 70 percent.
       (c) Eligible Activities.--
       (1) In general.--An eligible activity described in this 
     subsection is any activity--
       (A) the implementation of which would improve air and water 
     quality, result in the acquisition of open space or a park, 
     preserve a historic site, conserve habitat for fish and 
     wildlife, redevelop a brownfield, or otherwise further the 
     purposes of this title in a manner that exceeds the 
     requirements of any Federal law in effect as of the date of 
     enactment of this Act;
       (B) that has been approved by the Governor, subject to 
     public notice and opportunity for comment; and
       (C) that is identified in the current State plan that has 
     been approved by the Stewardship Council.
       (2) Types of eligible activities.--Specific eligible 
     activities include the following:
       (A) Clean water.--With respect to clean water, an eligible 
     activity may be--
       (i) implementation of a project identified in a national 
     estuary program comprehensive management plan under section 
     320 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 
     1330) or an approved coastal zone management plan;
       (ii) State participation in monitoring and exposure 
     assessment related to estrogenic substances; or

[[Page S10702]]

       (iii) development and support of a watershed management 
     council.
       (B) Clean air.--With respect to clean air, an eligible 
     activity may be--
       (i) exceeding attainment levels prescribed under the Clean 
     Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.); or
       (ii) implementation of State energy conservation efforts 
     carried out after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (C) Farmland and open space protection.--With respect to 
     farmland and open space protection, an eligible activity may 
     be--
       (i) provision of technical assistance for small and rural 
     communities in the development of open space preservation and 
     conservation plans;
       (ii) purchase of farmland conservation easements; or
       (iii) redevelopment of brownfields for the purpose of 
     public recreation.
       (D) Marine resources.--With respect to marine resources, an 
     eligible activity may be--
       (i) protection of essential fish habitat; or
       (ii) acquisition of sensitive coastal areas, including 
     coastal barriers, wetland, and buffer areas and coral reef 
     renovation.
       (E) Wildlife conservation.--With respect to wildlife 
     conservation, an eligible activity may be--
       (i) implementation of recovery plans to conserve endangered 
     or threatened species;
       (ii) landowner incentives for the conservation of 
     endangered or threatened species; or
       (iii) conservation of nonlisted species, including 
     sensitive and declining species.
       (d) Compliance With Applicable Laws.--All activities funded 
     with an apportionment to a State under section 205 shall 
     comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws 
     (including regulations).
       (e) Limitations on Use of Funds.--A State shall not use an 
     apportionment to the State under section 205--
       (1) to carry out an activity in satisfaction of liability 
     for natural resource damages under Federal or State law; or
       (2) to carry out an activity otherwise required by law.

     SEC. 207. STATE PLANS.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, as a condition of receipt of 
     apportionments under this title, the Governor of each State 
     eligible to receive an apportionment under section 205 
     shall--
       (1) develop and submit to the Stewardship Council a State 
     plan for the use of the apportionments, including--
       (A) identification of high-priority environmental concerns 
     of the State; and
       (B) consideration of relevant Federal and State resources;
       (2) obtain and maintain the approval of the Stewardship 
     Council of the State plan; and
       (3) to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate the 
     actions under the State plan with ongoing conservation 
     planning efforts in the State.
       (b) Revisions.--The Governor shall revise and resubmit the 
     plan for approval, as necessary, but not less often than once 
     every 2 years.
       (c) Criteria for Approval.--The Stewardship Council shall 
     approve a State plan submitted under subsection (a), or a 
     revision of a State plan submitted under subsection (b), if 
     the State plan or revision--
       (1) provides for use of apportionments to the State in 
     accordance with this title; and
       (2) addresses high-priority conservation issues, or 
     projects that are identified in a State comprehensive 
     conservation plan.
       (d) Revocation of Approval.--The Stewardship Council may 
     revoke approval of a State plan if the Stewardship Council 
     determines that--
       (1) the State is not using apportionments to the State in 
     accordance with this title; or
       (2) the Governor of the State fails to revise the plan as 
     required under subsection (b).
       (e) Public Participation.--The plan, and each revision of 
     the plan, shall be developed after public notice and an 
     opportunity for public participation.
       (f) Certification by the Governor.--The Governor shall 
     certify to the Stewardship Council that the plan, and each 
     revision of the plan, was developed with an opportunity for 
     public participation and in accordance with all applicable 
     State laws.
       (g) Reporting of Expenditures.--The plan shall contain a 
     description of activities funded with amounts appropriated 
     under this title for the preceding 2 years.

     SEC. 208. EFFECT ON LEASING AND DEVELOPMENT.

       Nothing in this title--
       (1) affects any moratorium on leasing of outer Continental 
     Shelf leases for drilling; or
       (2) constitutes an incentive to encourage the development 
     of outer Continental Shelf resources where those resources 
     are not being developed as of the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
               TITLE III--FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

     SEC. 301. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 is amended 
     by striking section 2 (16 U.S.C. 2901) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       ``(1) fish and wildlife are of ecological, educational, 
     esthetic, cultural, recreational, economic, and scientific 
     value to the United States;
       ``(2) healthy populations of species of fish and wildlife 
     should be achieved and maintained for the benefit of present 
     and future generations of Americans;
       ``(3) management and conservation of fish and wildlife 
     require adequate funding for State programs and coordination 
     with Federal, local, and tribal governments, private 
     landowners, and interested organizations within each State;
       ``(4) coordination and comprehensive planning of 
     conservation efforts and funding sources under existing 
     programs, such as the Federal aid in wildlife program and the 
     Federal aid in sport fish restoration program, are being 
     carried out by many States and should be encouraged;
       ``(5) increasing coordination and comprehensive planning of 
     State conservation efforts and funding sources would provide 
     significant benefits to the conservation and management of 
     species; and
       ``(6) conservation efforts and funding should emphasize 
     species that are not hunted, fished, or trapped, as nongame 
     programs receive less than $100,000,000 annually among all 50 
     States, compared with an estimated $1,000,000,000 annually 
     for game-focused programs.
       ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       ``(1) to provide assistance to the States for the 
     conservation of fish and wildlife, especially nongame fish 
     and wildlife; and
       ``(2) to encourage implementation and coordination of 
     comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation programs.''.

     SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 3 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 
     (16 U.S.C. 2902) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``As used in this Act--'' and inserting 
     ``In this Act:'';
       (2) in paragraphs (1), (2), and (4), by striking ``plan'' 
     each place it appears and inserting ``program'';
       (3) in paragraph (8), by striking ``the Trust Territory of 
     the Pacific Islands,'';
       (4) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as 
     paragraphs (7), (9), and (10), respectively;
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) Leased tract.--The term `leased tract' means a 
     tract--
       ``(A) leased under section 8 of the outer Continental Shelf 
     Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337) for the purpose of drilling for, 
     developing, and producing oil and natural gas resources; and
       ``(B) comprising a unit consisting of a block, a portion of 
     a block, or a combination of blocks or portions of blocks, as 
     specified in the lease, and as depicted on an Outer 
     Continental Shelf Official Protraction Diagram.''; and
       (6) by inserting after paragraph (7) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (4)) the following:
       ``(8) Qualified outer continental shelf revenues.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified outer Continental 
     Shelf revenues' means--
       ``(i) all sums received by the United States from each 
     leased tract or portion of a leased tract located in the 
     western or central Gulf of Mexico; less
       ``(ii) such sums as may be credited to States under section 
     8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 
     1337(g)) and amounts needed for adjustments and refunds as 
     overpayments for rents, royalties, or other purposes.
       ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `qualified outer Continental 
     Shelf revenues' includes royalties (including payments for 
     royalty taken in kind and sold), net profit share payments, 
     and related late-payment interest from natural gas and oil 
     leases granted under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act 
     (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) for a leased tract or portion of a 
     leased tract described in subparagraph (A)(i).''.

     SEC. 303. CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 
     1980 is amended by striking section 4 (16 U.S.C. 2903) and 
     inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 4. CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     receipt by a State of an initial apportionment under section 
     7, the State shall develop and begin implementation of a 
     conservation program for species of fish and wildlife in the 
     State that emphasizes fish and wildlife species that are not 
     hunted, trapped, or fished (including associated habitats of 
     those species) and is based on best available and appropriate 
     scientific information and data.
       ``(b) Required Elements.--A conservation program under 
     subsection (a) shall include--
       ``(1) information on the distribution and abundance of 
     species (including species having a low population and 
     declining species, as determined to be appropriate by the 
     designated State agency) that are indicative of the diversity 
     and health of wildlife of the State;
       ``(2) identification of the extent and condition of 
     wildlife habitats and community types essential to the 
     conservation of species;
       ``(3) identification of problems that may adversely affect 
     species and habitats;
       ``(4) priority research and surveys to identify factors 
     that may assist in restoration and more effective 
     conservation of species and habitats;
       ``(5) determinations of actions that should be taken to 
     conserve the species and habitats, and establishment of 
     priorities for implementing any recommended actions;
       ``(6) periodic monitoring of species and habitats, 
     including--

[[Page S10703]]

       ``(A) assessment of the effectiveness of the conservation 
     actions determined under paragraph (5); and
       ``(B) development of recommendations for implementing 
     conservation actions to appropriately respond to new 
     information or changing conditions;
       ``(7) review of the State conservation program, and, if 
     appropriate, revision of the conservation program at least 
     once every 10 years; and
       ``(8) coordination, to the maximum extent feasible, by the 
     designated State agency, during the development, 
     implementation, review, and revision of the conservation 
     program, with Federal, State, and local agencies and Indian 
     tribes that--
       ``(A) manage significant areas of land or water within the 
     State; or
       ``(B) administer programs that significantly affect the 
     conservation of species or habitats.''.
       (b) Approval by the Secretary of Conservation Programs.--
     The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 is amended by 
     striking section 5 (16 U.S.C. 2903) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 5. APPROVAL BY THE SECRETARY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve a conservation 
     program if the conservation program meets the requirements of 
     section 4, is substantial in character and design, and has 
     been made available for public comment.
       ``(2) Individual conservation actions.--
       ``(A) In general.--In the absence of an approved 
     conservation program, the Secretary may approve conservation 
     actions that are intended to conserve primarily species of 
     fish and wildlife that are not hunted, trapped, or fished and 
     the habitats of those species.
       ``(B) Criteria for approval.--Under subparagraph (A), the 
     Secretary may approve a conservation action for a species of 
     fish or wildlife if--
       ``(i) the proposal for the conservation action--

       ``(I) includes an estimate of the population and 
     distribution of the species and a description of the 
     significant habitat of the species;
       ``(II) provides for regular monitoring of the effectiveness 
     of the conservation action; and
       ``(III) is substantial in character and design;

       ``(ii) the conservation action is a high priority action in 
     conserving the species; and
       ``(iii) the State is making reasonable efforts to develop 
     or revise a conservation program that complies with this Act.
       ``(3) Effect of approval.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the 
     development, implementation, and revision of conservation 
     programs approved under paragraph (1) and the development and 
     implementation of conservation actions approved under 
     paragraph (2) shall be eligible for funding using funds 
     apportioned to the States under section 7.
       ``(B) Limitation on use of funds.--Of the funds apportioned 
     to a State under section 7 for a fiscal year, a pro rata 
     portion of the amount required under section 6(b) to be used 
     for the conservation of endangered or threatened species 
     shall be used by the State for that purpose.
       ``(b) Consolidation of Planning Efforts.--
       ``(1) Wildlife planning efforts.--With respect to 
     conservation of wildlife, the State may include the 
     information required to be included in a conservation program 
     under section 4 in the plan developed by the State under the 
     Act entitled `An Act to provide that the United States shall 
     aid the States in wildlife-restoration projects, and for 
     other purposes', approved September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. 669 et 
     seq.), in which case the Secretary shall approve the 
     conservation program for the purposes of, and in accordance 
     with, this Act and that Act.
       ``(2) Fish planning efforts.--With respect to conservation 
     of fish, the State may include the information required to be 
     included in a conservation program under section 4 in the 
     plan developed by the State under the Act entitled `An Act to 
     provide that the United States shall aid the States in fish 
     restoration and management projects, and for other purposes', 
     approved August 9, 1950 (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq.), in which 
     case the Secretary shall approve the conservation program for 
     the purposes of, and in accordance with, this Act and that 
     Act.''.

     SEC. 304. FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND.

       The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 is amended 
     by striking section 6 (10 U.S.C. 2905) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 6. FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury 
     of the United States a fund to be known as the `Fish and 
     Wildlife Conservation Fund' (referred to in this section as 
     the `Fund'), consisting of--
       ``(1) such amounts as are appropriated to the Fund under 
     subsection (b); and
       ``(2) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the 
     Fund under subsection (d).
       ``(b) Transfers to Fund.--Notwithstanding section 9 of the 
     Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1338), for each 
     fiscal year, there are appropriated to the Fund, from 
     revenues due and payable to the United States as qualified 
     outer Continental Shelf revenues (as defined in section 2 of 
     the Natural Resources Reinvestment Act of 1999), the lesser 
     of--
       ``(1) $250,000,000, of which $75,000,000 shall be used for 
     conservation of endangered or threatened species under 
     section 6 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
     1535); or
       ``(2) the amount that is equal to 10 percent of those 
     revenues, of which an amount equal to 3 percent of those 
     revenues shall be used for conservation of endangered or 
     threatened species under that section.
       ``(c) Expenditures From Fund.--
       ``(1) In general.--Upon request by the Secretary and 
     without further Act of appropriation, for fiscal year 2000 
     and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury shall transfer from the Fund to the Secretary such 
     amounts as the Secretary determines are necessary to provide 
     funding for administrative expenses and apportionments under 
     section 7.
       ``(2) Use of funds by states.--
       ``(A) In general.--Funds apportioned to a State under 
     section 7 shall be used to carry out activities eligible for 
     funding under section 5.
       ``(B) Maintenance of effort.--Funds made available to 
     States from the Fund shall supplement, but not supplant, 
     funds made available to the States from--
       ``(i) the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund 
     established by section 3 of the Act entitled `An Act to 
     provide that the United States shall aid the States in 
     wildlife-restoration projects, and for other purposes', 
     approved September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. 669b); and
       ``(ii) the Sport Fish Restoration Account established by 
     section 9504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
       ``(d) Investment of Amounts.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall 
     invest such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of 
     the Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current 
     withdrawals. Investments may be made only in interest-bearing 
     obligations of the United States.
       ``(2) Acquisition of obligations.--For the purpose of 
     investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be 
     acquired--
       ``(A) on original issue at the issue price; or
       ``(B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market 
     price.
       ``(3) Sale of obligations.--Any obligation acquired by the 
     Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at the 
     market price.
       ``(4) Credits to fund.--The interest on, and the proceeds 
     from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the 
     Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
       ``(e) Transfers of Amounts.--
       ``(1) In general.--The amounts required to be transferred 
     to the Fund under this section shall be transferred at least 
     monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Fund on 
     the basis of estimates made by the Secretary of the Treasury.
       ``(2) Adjustments.--Proper adjustment shall be made in 
     amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior 
     estimates were in excess of or less than the amounts required 
     to be transferred.''.

     SEC. 305. APPORTIONMENT OF FUND RECEIPTS TO STATES.

       The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 is amended 
     by striking section 7 (16 U.S.C. 2906) and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 7. APPORTIONMENT OF FUND RECEIPTS TO STATES.

       ``(a) Deduction for Administrative Expenses.--
       ``(1) In general.--For each fiscal year, the Secretary may 
     deduct, for payment of administrative expenses incurred in 
     carrying out this Act, not more than 6 percent of the total 
     amount of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund established 
     by section 6 available for apportionment for the fiscal year.
       ``(2) Period of availability.--A deduction by the Secretary 
     under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year shall be available for 
     obligation by the Secretary until September 30 of the 
     following fiscal year.
       ``(3) Apportionment of unobligated funds.--Not later than 
     60 days after the end of a fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     apportion under subsections (b) and (c) any unobligated 
     amount of a deduction for which the period of availability 
     under paragraph (2) terminated on September 30 of the fiscal 
     year.
       ``(b) Apportionment to District of Columbia and 
     Territories.--For each fiscal year, after making the 
     deduction under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make the 
     following apportionments from the amount of the Fish and 
     Wildlife Conservation Fund remaining available for 
     apportionment:
       ``(1) To each of the District of Columbia and the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a sum equal to not more than \1/
     2\ of 1 percent of that remaining amount.
       ``(2) To each of Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, 
     and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a sum 
     equal to not more than \1/6\ of 1 percent of that remaining 
     amount.
       ``(c) Apportionment to Other States.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), for each 
     fiscal year, after making the deduction under subsection (a) 
     and the apportionment under subsection (b), the Secretary 
     shall apportion the amount of the Fish and Wildlife 
     Conservation Fund remaining available for apportionment among 
     the States not receiving an apportionment under subsection 
     (b) in the following manner:
       ``(A) \1/3\ based on the ratio that the geographic area of 
     each such State bears to the total geographic area of all 
     such States.

[[Page S10704]]

       ``(B) \2/3\ based on the ratio that the population of each 
     such State bears to the total population of all such States.
       ``(2) Minimum and maximum apportionments.--For each fiscal 
     year, the amounts apportioned under this subsection shall be 
     adjusted proportionately so that no State receiving an 
     apportionment under paragraph (1) is apportioned a sum that 
     is--
       ``(A) less than 1 percent of the amount available for 
     apportionment under this subsection for the fiscal year; or
       ``(B) more than 5 percent of that amount.
       ``(d) Period of Availability of Apportionments.--
       ``(1) In general.--An apportionment to a State under 
     subsection (b) or (c) for a fiscal year shall be available 
     for obligation by the State until the end of the fourth 
     succeeding fiscal year.
       ``(2) Reapportionment of unobligated funds.--Any amount 
     apportioned to a State under subsection (b) or (c) for which 
     the period of availability under paragraph (1) terminated at 
     the end of a fiscal year shall be reapportioned to the States 
     in accordance with subsections (b) and (c) during the 
     following fiscal year.
       ``(e) Cost Sharing.--Not more than 70 percent of the cost 
     of any activity funded under this Act may be funded using 
     amounts apportioned to a State under this section.''.

     SEC. 306. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Section 9 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 
     1980 (16 U.S.C. 2908) is amended by striking ``conservation 
     plans'' and inserting ``conservation programs''.
       (b) Section 13(b) of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act 
     of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2912) is amended in the second sentence by 
     striking ``Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries'' and 
     inserting ``Committee on Resources''.
       (c) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking sections 8, 11, and 12 (16 U.S.C. 2907, 
     2910, 2911); and
       (2) by redesignating sections 9, 10, and 13 (16 U.S.C. 
     2908, 2909, 2912) as sections 8, 9, and 10, respectively.
       (d) Section 3(5) of the North American Wetlands 
     Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4402(5)) is amended by striking 
     ``under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 (16 
     U.S.C. 2901-2912)'' and inserting ``in section 3 of the Fish 
     and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2902)''.
       (e) Section 16(a) of the North American Wetlands 
     Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4413) is amended in the first 
     sentence by striking ``section 13(a)(5) of the Fish and 
     Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 (16 U.S.C. 2912(a))'' and 
     inserting ``section 10(a)(5) of the Fish and Wildlife 
     Conservation Act of 1980''.
                  TITLE IV--NEW OPEN SPACE INITIATIVES
                         Subtitle A--Watersheds

     SEC. 401. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) properly managed watersheds can protect and enhance 
     surface water quality by--
       (A) processing nutrients;
       (B) trapping sediments; and
       (C) providing settings where runoff contaminants can be 
     chemically and biologically neutralized before the 
     contaminants enter surface and ground water;
       (2) properly managed watersheds can reduce erosion of 
     stream banks and surrounding land by--
       (A) reducing the volume and velocity of peak runoff flows; 
     and
       (B) helping to protect sensitive stream bank and stream bed 
     areas often critical to the protection of the biological 
     integrity of surface and ground waters; and
       (3) the purchase of easements in, or fee title to, critical 
     land from willing sellers can be a useful tool in ensuring 
     the implementation of an effective program for enhancing and 
     protecting the quality of surface and ground waters.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to encourage the 
     acquisition or restoration of contiguous watersheds and 
     wetland by providing funding for the acquisition or 
     restoration of wetland, adjacent land, or buffer strips under 
     the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et 
     seq.).

     SEC. 402. LAND ACQUISITION AND RESTORATION PROGRAM.

       (a) Funding.--Title III of the Federal Water Pollution 
     Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1311 et seq.) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following:

     ``SEC. 321. SAVE OUR WATERSHEDS PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Consideration of Acquisition.--Each plan prepared by 
     the appropriate State, local, or other non-Federal entity 
     under section 118, 314, 319(g), or 320 shall--
       ``(1) evaluate the effectiveness of the acquisition or 
     restoration of land or interests in land as a means of 
     meeting the goals of the plan; and
       ``(2) include programs to encourage State, local, private, 
     or other non-Federal funding of acquisitions or restorations 
     if acquisition or restoration of land or interests in land is 
     found by the entity to be an effective tool for plans 
     prepared under this Act.
       ``(b) Funding.
       ``(1) SRF funding.--
       ``(A) In general.--A State may use funds from the water 
     pollution control revolving fund of the State established 
     under title VI for the acquisition or restoration of land in 
     accordance with a plan developed under section 118, 314, 
     319(g), or 320.
       ``(B) SRF funding limitation.--Not more than 10 percent of 
     the funds awarded to a State under title VI may be used for 
     the acquisition or restoration of land in accordance with 
     this section.
       ``(2) Preferences for funding.--In considering requests for 
     funding of a plan for the acquisition or restoration of land 
     or interests in land under this section, the Administrator 
     shall provide a preference to requests with respect to which 
     Federal funds will be matched by--
       ``(A) the State;
       ``(B) the entity responsible for developing and 
     implementing the plan; or
       ``(C) other non-Federal entities.
       ``(c) Possession of Land.--
       ``(1) In general.--All land or interests in land acquired 
     or restored under this section shall be held by an entity 
     chosen by the Governor or a designee.
       ``(2) Federal possession prohibited.--An officer or 
     employee of the Environmental Protection Agency or any other 
     Federal agency shall not hold any land or interests in land 
     acquired or restored under this section.
       ``(d) Use of Land.--
       ``(1) In general.--Land acquired or restored under this 
     section using Federal funds shall be made available for 
     public recreational purposes to the maximum extent 
     practicable considering the environmental sensitivity and 
     suitability of the land.
       ``(2) Incompatible purpose exception.--Land acquired or 
     restored under this section shall not be made available for 
     public recreational purposes if public recreational 
     activities would be incompatible with the purposes for which 
     the land was acquired or restored.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 601(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1381(a)) is amended--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``, and (4) for acquiring or restoring land under 
     section 321''.
       (2) Section 603(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(c)) is amended in the first sentence--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
       (B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
     following: ``, and (4) for acquiring or restoring land under 
     section 321''.
                       Subtitle B--Transportation

     SEC. 411. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) historically, transportation projects have contributed 
     to suburban sprawl, loss of open space, and degradation of 
     the local environment; and
       (2) comprehensive transportation planning should 
     incorporate environmental mitigation and preservation of open 
     space to the extent locally desired and practicable.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this subtitle is to 
     incorporate efforts to mitigate transportation-related growth 
     and development in surface transportation and highway 
     projects.

     SEC. 412. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.

       Section 133(b) of title 23, United States Code, is amended 
     by inserting after paragraph (11) the following:
       ``(12) Acquisition of open space and conservation easements 
     to mitigate transportation-related growth and development.''.

     SEC. 413. FEDERAL-AID SYSTEM.

       Section 103(b)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(Q) Acquisition of open space and conservation easements 
     to mitigate transportation-related growth and development.''.
                          Subtitle C--Farmland

     SEC. 421. FARMLAND PROTECTION.

       Section 388 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and 
     Reform Act of 1996 (16 U.S.C. 3830 note; Public Law 104-127) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (h); and
       (2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(a) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the 
     term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(1) any agency of any State or local government, or 
     federally recognized Indian tribe; and
       ``(2) any organization that--
       ``(A) is organized for, and at all times since its 
     formation has been operated principally for, 1 or more of the 
     conservation purposes specified in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) 
     of section 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
     and
       ``(B)(i) is an organization described in section 501(c)(3) 
     of the Code that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) 
     of the Code;
       ``(ii) is described in section 509(a)(2) of the Code; or
       ``(iii) is described in section 509(a)(3) of the Code and 
     is controlled by an organization described in section 
     509(a)(2) of the Code.
       ``(b) Authority.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
     establish and carry out a farmland protection program under 
     which the Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities 
     to provide the Federal share of the cost of purchasing 
     conservation easements or other interests in land with prime, 
     unique, or other productive soil for the purpose of 
     protecting topsoil by limiting nonagricultural uses of the 
     land.
       ``(c) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     purchasing a conservation easement or other interest 
     described in subsection (b) shall be not more than 50 
     percent.
       ``(d) Title; Enforcement.--Title to a conservation easement 
     or other interest described in subsection (b) may be held, 
     and

[[Page S10705]]

     the conservation requirements of the easement or interest 
     enforced, by any eligible entity.
       ``(e) State Certification.--The attorney general of the 
     State in which land is located shall take such actions as are 
     necessary to ensure that a conservation easement or other 
     interest under this section is in a form that is sufficient 
     to achieve the conservation purpose of the farmland 
     protection program established under this section, the law of 
     the State, and the terms and conditions of any grant made by 
     the Secretary under this section.
       ``(f) Conservation Plan.--Any land for which a conservation 
     easement or other interest is purchased under this section 
     shall be subject to the requirements of a conservation plan 
     to the extent that the plan does not negate or adversely 
     affect the restrictions contained in any easement.
       ``(g) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may use not more 
     than 10 percent of the amount that is made available for a 
     fiscal year under subsection (h) to provide technical 
     assistance to carry out this section.''.

 Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am very pleased to join with my 
colleague, Senator Lieberman, as well as Senators Leahy and Jeffords, 
in introducing a bill to strengthen the environmental infrastructure of 
our nation, and to lay the foundation for conservation efforts for the 
new century.
  This bill--the Natural Resource Reinvestment Act of 1999 (NRRA)--will 
also help shape the debate now taking place in Congress on spending 
revenues from the oil and gas activities in the Outer Continental 
Shelf. Rarely are we confronted with choices that will profoundly 
influence the natural legacy of this nation. The current debate over 
OCS revenues presents us with such a choice.
  Let me first applaud the tremendous work already undertaken by my 
colleagues who have introduced legislation on this subject, 
particularly Senators Landrieu, Feinstein, Boxer and Graham, as well as 
Senators Murkowski and Bingaman, who oversee these bills in the Energy 
and Natural Resources Committee. At the same time, there is room for 
additional voices on this subject.
  I would like to identify four basic principles that are embodied in 
our legislation, and that I believe should govern Congress' 
deliberations on spending OCS revenues. These principles hearken back 
to those espoused by Congress when it created the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund, the only two 
programs that by law are funded from OCS receipts.
  First, OCS revenues should be reinvested in the nation's public 
resources--our environmental, natural, cultural and historic resources. 
Second, reinvestment in public resources should be meaningful and 
lasting--the capital assets of our nation. Third, revenues must be 
distributed in an equitable manner across the nation. Fourth, the 
funding must be permanent.
  The NRRA allocates $2.5 billion in OCS receipts to three major areas: 
$1.35 billion to land and water and historic preservation (title I); 
$900 million to states for matching conservation grants (title II); and 
$250 million for state fish and wildlife conservation (title III). In 
the event that total OCS receipts falls short of $2.5 billion, each 
program will receive a pro-rated, percent share of the funds.
  The funds generally must be spent for conservation and environmental 
improvement activities, in keeping with the vision that revenues from 
development of non-renewable resources should be returned to the 
conservation of other natural resources. The funds are distributed to 
all 50 states in an equitable manner, derived from receipts from past, 
present and future OCS activities, but based on a formula and derived 
from qualified revenues that do not encourage additional OCS activity.
  The NRRA recognizes that the existing programs created by Congress, 
to be funded with revenues from OCS activities, should receive their 
full share before new programs funded by those revenues are created. 
Title I of the NRRA fulfills the promise that Congress made 35 years 
ago when it created the LWCF. The LWCF is authorized to receive $900 
million annually from OCS revenues, but receives only a fraction of 
this amount in appropriations. One of the greatest conservation laws 
ever enacted, it provides money for Federal land and water 
acquisitions, and matches state dollars for local parks, beaches, 
gardens and other open spaces.
  The NRRA would fully fund the LWCF automatically, without further 
Congressional action. I attempted such an effort in 1988 with the 
American Heritage Trust Act, and nothing would please me more than to 
see this effort fulfilled before I leave the Senate.
  Created in 1976, the Historic Preservation Fund is also funded with 
OCS revenues, but of $150 million authorized annually, it receives 
roughly $45 million--30 percent. The Fund is responsible for 
registering more than one million historic sites across the nation, and 
with additional funding, restoration work can be carried out. The bill 
would fully fund it at $150 million.
  In addition, the bill provides full funding, $100 million, for the 
Urban Parks and Recreation Renewal Program, which supports parks and 
open spaces in large urban areas. Funds are also authorized for the 
Payment in Lieu of Taxes Program and the Refuge Revenue Sharing 
Program, which provide annual payments to local governments to 
compensate for the removal of newly acquired public lands from the 
property tax base.
  The NRRA seeks to improve and expand the LWCF in order to revitalize 
it, modernize it and bring it into the new century. Since the creation 
of the LWCF, the conservation needs of the country have evolved in ways 
that require greater flexibility and creativity than the traditional 
methods authorized in the original law.
  The NRRA establishes a new program to increase the LWCF by $200 
million to support state efforts to conserve land and water of regional 
or national significance. The program would provide Federal funding for 
state and private partnerships, in order to meet nationally important 
land protection priorities in a way that ensures state or local control 
of lands and waters. This program would help conserve some of the 
nation's most treasured areas, such as the Great Lakes, the Everglades, 
the Mississippi Delta, the Northern Forest of New England, the 
midwestern prairie lands, and the southwestern desert.
  Let me cite one example of why we need this new program. With over 
five million acres of woodland on the auction block in Maine this past 
year, The Nature Conservancy negotiated an extraordinary deal that 
would protect 185,000 acres around the Upper St. John River, which is 
the largest, least developed river system east of the Mississippi 
River. The Nature Conservancy has already raised over $10 million in 
private funds for this project, and hopes to receive some of a $50 
million bond which will be on the Maine ballot in the fall. The Federal 
government should be a partner as well. However, many folks in Maine do 
not want additional Federal acquisitions, so the traditional Federal 
LWCF program is not a possibility. Yet Maine's annual state-side LWCF 
allocation would be too small to handle such an expensive project. A 
new program could leverage the private and State dollars without 
requiring Federal ownership.
  Recognizing that priorities for protecting and conserving resources 
should be determined at the state and local levels, in cooperation with 
the Federal government and the use of Federal dollars, the bill creates 
a new grants program for state activities to promote conservation and 
improvement of environmental quality.
  Specifically, $900 million is apportioned among all 50 states, based 
on a formula using the following criteria: population, length of 
coastline, geographic area, and population density. This formula is 
based on the premise that all states share in the benefits of 
development of OCS resources. It also recognizes the many factors that 
put pressure on the nation's resources. Because the formula is not tied 
to OCS oil and gas production, it does not create incentives for 
further activity. Lastly, with a ceiling of 5 percent, and a floor of 
0.5 percent, the formula ensures that no state receives a 
disproportionate amount.
  The funds can be used for clean air, clean water, cleanup of 
brownfields, conservation of fish and wildlife habitat, and 
preservation of open space and farmland. Projects must exceed standards 
required under existing law, be approved by the Governor after public 
notice and comment, and must be included in the state plan approved by 
a Stewardship Council comprised of Federal agency and Congressional 
representatives.

[[Page S10706]]

  Federal funding for projects must also be matched with at least 30 
percent by non-Federal dollars. This matching requirement is extremely 
important in that it provides leverage for Federal dollars, and that it 
encourages states to use the money wisely.
  There are special provisions for states that have historically borne 
the activities in the OCS. Specifically, $300 million over five years, 
and $10 million annually thereafter, is provided for these states in 
addition to the amounts they receive under the formula. The funds may 
be used for OCS mitigation activities, as well as the activities 
enumerated above.
  The NRRA establishes a separate title for the conservation of fish 
and wildlife, to receive $250 million in OCS revenues, of which $75 
million is to be spent on conservation of endangered or threatened 
species.
  Although the States are the principle stewards of our nation's fish 
and wildlife, their efforts to perform this role are chronically under-
funded. It is high time that the Federal government assist them. And it 
is high time that we protect our nation's fish and wildlife before they 
become threatened or endangered, rather than wait until the costs and 
controversies are so great. At the same time, we must get a steady flow 
of funds for endangered and threatened species to help their recovery.
  The key to species conservation is, of course, protection of the 
habitat. Habitat protection, in turn, requires comprehensive planning 
and collaboration to determine which habitat is important. Many State 
fish and wildlife agencies already engage in comprehensive planning, 
and work closely with neighboring States and the Federal government. 
The tremendous work conducted in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley 
through the Partners in Flight program exemplifies what States can do 
when they have adequate funding. Indeed, the States have recently 
completed comprehensive plans for all migratory birds, and plans are 
underway for amphibians and reptiles.
  The NRRA amends the 1980 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to 
encourage implementation and coordination of comprehensive fish and 
wildlife conservation programs. The bill also places an emphasis on 
species that are not hunted, fished or trapped. This emphasis seeks to 
rectify the current imbalance in which non-game programs among all 50 
states receive less than $100 million annually, while game-focused 
programs receive more than $1 billion annually. Less than 10 percent of 
state fish and wildlife funding is targeted at the conservation of 86 
percent of fish and wildlife species.
  Three new programs are created in the bill. To promote watershed 
protection, the NRRA amends Title III of the Federal Water Pollution 
Control Act to allow up to 10 percent of the State Revolving Loan Fund 
to be spent as 50 percent matching grants for open space acquisition to 
protect watersheds and water quality. To address transportation-related 
development, the NRRA amends current law to allow surface 
transportation and highway funding to be used for the purchase of open 
space and green corridors that mitigate transportation-related growth 
and development. Lastly, to promote the protection of farmland, the 
NRRA amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
to allow State and local conservation organizations to participate in 
the purchase of conservation easements for farmland protection.
  Almost 90 years ago, Teddy Roosevelt said that ``of all the questions 
which can come before this nation, short of actual preservation of its 
existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance 
with the central task of leaving this land a better land for our 
descendants than it is for us.'' When a rugged coastline is marred by 
condos, or farmland is replaced by a strip mall, or a breathtaking 
vista is pocked with smokestacks, we lose something very valuable, most 
likely for good. Our bill ensures that the tools are available to leave 
this land in better condition for our descendants, and remains true to 
the vision of Teddy Roosevelt.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this worthwhile 
legislation.
 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today as an original 
cosponsor of the Natural Resources Reinvestment Act of 1999 (NRRA) and 
thank Senator Lieberman for his leadership on this issue. The purpose 
of this bill is to reinvest revenues from oil and gas production on 
outer continental shelf lands to establish a reliable source of funding 
for State, local and Federal efforts to conserve land and water, 
provide recreational opportunities, preserve historic resources, 
protect fish and wildlife, and preserve open and green spaces.
  This Congress, the subject of permanent funding for the Land and 
Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has received significant attention. The 
Land and Water Conservation Fund, a special account created in 1964, is 
the primary vehicle for funding land conservation efforts in the United 
States and is used for acquisitions and maintenance for our national 
parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Four federal agencies--the Park 
Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and 
Forest Service--receive these funds. In addition, the Park Service has 
administered a matching grants program to assist states (and 
localities) in acquiring and developing recreation sites and 
facilities. The fund accumulates money from diverted revenues from off-
shore oil leases.
  Unfortunately, the main fund has not recently been fully funded and 
the state grant program has not received any funding since 1995. The 
promise of this worthy program has never been fully realized and many 
opportunities to conserve precious lands and to work with our state and 
local partners have been lost. People across the country are realizing 
that they cannot afford to lose more opportunities to protect the lands 
they consider important to their quality of life.
  Many of us think of large tracks of land, like the Green Mountain 
National Forest in my home state of Vermont, when we think about 
federal conservation programs. When we think about the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund, however, we should also envision soccer fields, 
swing-sets, picnic areas, town beaches and wildlife preserves across 
the country. The LWCF has made it possible to protect some of the most 
valuable wildlife habitat in the United States, and also for small 
communities to afford public recreation facilities that would otherwise 
not be possible, bringing the benefits of outdoor recreation close to 
where we live and work.
  In addition to the LWCF, the NRRA establishes permanent funding for 
Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery, the Historic Preservation Fund, 
and creates several new open space initiatives. The bill also 
establishes an Environmental Stewardship Fund for states to conserve, 
protect, and restore their natural resources beyond what is required by 
current law. The Fund is designed so that states have the flexibility 
to create their own plans that address their particular needs, while 
including citizens through a comment process.
  The Natural Resources Reinvestment Act demonstrates a commitment to 
conserving and protecting our national natural and historical 
resources. I urge my colleagues to support this bill that would secure 
the funding of our conservation and open space programs for the 
future.

                          ____________________