In Committee Hearing, Heinrich To Call For Permanently Reauthorizing Land And Water Conservation Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) will participate in a U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m. ET/8 a.m. MT, on the reauthorization of and potential reforms to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The program is set to expire in September of this year.

Senator Heinrich and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced a bill, S. 890, to permanently authorize and fully fund the LWCF, which conserves and promotes public access to the country's national parks, forests and public lands. The fund, which is not funded by tax dollars but instead by a fraction of the revenue the federal government receives from off-shore oil and gas drilling revenues, has helped protect public lands in New Mexico, including the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. The LWCF also expands opportunities for outdoor traditions like hunting, camping and fishing that are among the pillars of Western culture, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy. 

WHO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich

WHAT: U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on the reauthorization and potential reforms to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m. ET/8 a.m. MT

WHERE: 366 Dirksen Senate Office Building and via live stream.

WITNESSES:

The Honorable Michael Conner
Deputy Secretary
U.S. Department of the Interior

Mr. Lewis Ledford
Executive Director
National Association of State Park Directors

Ms. Lynn Scarlett
Managing Director, Public Policy
The Nature Conservancy

Mr. Reed Watson
Executive Director
The Property and Environment Research Center