Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today issued the following statement after Congress failed to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) before it expired:

“It is simply irresponsible to end a program that supports environmental conservation projects and preserves our natural resources for future generations at no cost to taxpayers,” DelBene said.

“The Land Water Conservation Fund is crucial for protecting the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and is important to our economy. Without a new authorization for this critical environmental program, Washington’s outdoor recreation industry and environmental conservation projects are needlessly harmed. Outdoor recreation supports more than 200,000 jobs in Washington state and contributes $20 billion a year to our local economy.

“Washington’s First District boasts some of our nation’s most amazing forests, mountains and waterways, including the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, the North Cascades National Park and North Creek Forest. I will continue working until the Land Water Conservation Fund is fully restored because it’s unacceptable to let this vital program expire.”

Since it was established in 1965, the LWCF has invested $637 million in Washington projects, including three grants for North Creek Forest, which DelBene recently toured. The LWCF uses no taxpayer dollars, and is funded through oil and gas receipts paid by energy companies.

DelBene also spoke on the House floor in support of LWCF and sent a letter to leadership demanding a vote to reauthorize the program. The Congresswoman is also a cosponsor of a bill that permanently reauthorizes the LWCF and block diverting the funds for other uses.

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