President Obama used his weekly radio address Saturday to urge Congress to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Primarily funded by fees on offshore oil and gas drilling, LWCF has protected millions of acres by providing funds and matching grants to federal, state and local governments to acquire land and water. Congress allowed the authorization for the 50-year-old LWCF to expire September 30.

Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation, said in response:

"It's past time for Congress to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program which for half a century has protected America's great outdoor spaces for the benefit of all outdoor enthusiasts and strengthened local economies. It's time for leaders of both sides to come together to renew this program's sacred covenant to enrich America's outdoor heritage for current and future generations."



 

















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Protecting our Planet for Future GenerationsCongressional and White House negotiators have announced a bipartisan budget deal that would fund the government, raise the debt ceiling, and lift sequester caps on spending.

Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation, said today:

“This landmark, bipartisan deal opens the door to restore urgently-needed investments in programs to protect America’s wildlife, public lands, clean air and water, and public health. As we mark the birth of President Teddy Roosevelt 157 years ago today, I hope this agreement marks a new day for conservation. We at the National Wildlife Federation urge our leaders to continue to set aside partisanship to protect our outdoor heritage for Americans and for future generations.”

A report by the National Wildlife Federation detailed how conservation programs had already suffered a disproportionate amount of budget cuts even before the sequester cuts took effect.