[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 24, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H4606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PERMANENT REAUTHORIZATION OF THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND

  (Mr. GIBSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, an 
important program that benefits every American.
  LWCF was founded 50 years ago to utilize revenue from energy projects 
to fund important conservation efforts. In total, it has conserved 
approximately 7 million acres of land and water resources, including 
mountains, forest, waterways, nature trails, and other beautiful 
aspects of our natural environment.
  In New York's 19th District, for example, several different projects 
have benefited, including the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance's Community 
Forest and, potentially soon, a new improvement to the Appalachian 
Trail.
  Unfortunately, this critical program expires in about 100 days, 
potentially jeopardizing important funding for many local communities, 
States, and private organizations. We simply can't let that happen. We 
must permanently reauthorize this important program.

                          ____________________