[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H7628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
(Mr. HUFFMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute.)
Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, this month we celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Wilderness
Act, two of our Nation's most effective conservation tools.
In California, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided more
than $2 billion to protect some of our most iconic natural landmarks.
In my district alone, this includes the Point Reyes National Seashore,
Redwood National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and
countless State parks, trails, and recreation areas. The fund uses zero
taxpayer dollars for these investments in the economic and
environmental well-being of our communities; instead, it is funded by
revenues from offshore oil and gas activities.
We celebrate also the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, which
has protected some of our Nation's most pristine and intact wild
places. As climate change begins to take its toll, protecting these
wild places will be even more vital to the survival of many threatened
and endangered species and to the conservation values that are part of
our national fabric.
This should not be a partisan issue. Every American benefits from
these two important laws and the lands they protect. Please join me in
supporting them for another 50 years.
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