U.S. House Passes Great American Outdoors Act

On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, a bipartisan bill to improve public lands, stabilize funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and provide economic relief to help kickstart the economy. This bill passed in the Senate on June 17, and will now be sent to the President’s desk for signature into law.

Once signed into law, this legislation will create a National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address the growing maintenance backlog on federal public lands. Half the revenue from energy development on public lands would be allocated to the fund and distributed to the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Education to cover overdue maintenance costs.

The Great American Outdoors Act will fully and permanently fund the LWCF at $900 million annually, ensuring all funding is directed to its intended purpose of state and federal conservation projects. Funding for the program does not use taxpayer dollars. Instead it comes from revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments.

“This is a popular program, people want it, and I think regardless of party people are responding,” said Rep. Raul Grijalva, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee in an interview with CNN before the vote.

“Whether you’re an avid conservationist, an outdoor recreation enthusiast, or both, there’s ample reason to appreciate the Great American Outdoors Act,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam.

“If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that America has some of the best and most vibrant natural scenery you can find anywhere in the world, particularly on our public lands. This bill will help us keep it that way. By addressing the maintenance backlog and fully funding the LWCF, Congress is ensuring these opportunities are available for future generations to enjoy while strengthening our outdoor economy for years to come.”

These new investments will boost America’s outdoor recreation industry, which generates $887 billion annually and supports 7.6 million American jobs.

—courtesy Ducks Unlimited, CNN

Brandon Ray photo