This Currently Pending Bill Would Give Billions to National Parks and Conservation Efforts — Here's How to Help
Currently, much of America is either still closed, operating in limited capacity, or open with a long list of precautions in place. But what's one place that's open, filled with fun family activities, scenic views, and complies with social distancing guidelines? The great outdoors, of course!
While many national parks were temporarily shut down due to COVID-19, these treasured lands are either completely back in business or reopening in phases. Regardless, a bill passed in the Senate this month (and now awaiting the House's decisions) would allot up to $1.9 billion dollars a year towards the country's 400+ national park sites and conversation efforts.
What is the "Great American Outdoors Act?"
The bill, introduced in March by Colorado Senator Cory Gardner, calls for the Great American Outdoors Act, which would create a fund to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. The fund would be named the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and would have "an amount equal to 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and waters" deposited into it yearly. This money would then be used for projects for the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Indian Education.
A post shared by National Park Service (@nationalparkservice) on Jun 28, 2020 at 2:27pm PDT
The proposed legislation would limit the fund to $1.9 billion a year. It would also require that $900 million from this sum be passed onto the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to further support conservation efforts. In the past, this fund has been put on the back burner as Congress prioritized other issues.
Where is the bill in Congress?
On June 17, the Senate passed the bill! Kate Kelly, director of Public Lands at the Center for American Progress noted that the Senate's approval for the bill "demonstrates the growing energy and power of America’s conservation movement." She explains that the Great American Outdoors Act would help restore "our public lands and waters at a time when natural areas are rapidly disappearing."
The National Parks Conservation Society also applauded the Senate's decision, noting that over $12 billion dollars worth of repairs are needed in the National Parks System.
How can I help support this act?
A post shared by American Hiking Society (@americanhiking) on Jun 17, 2020 at 9:30am PDT
The bill's fate currently lies in the hands of the House of Representatives. According to Skopos Labs, there is an 82% chance it will be enacted; however, it's not guaranteed.
To help lend a hand, the American Hiking Society has created a quick-and-easy form for you to fill out and send to your state’s representatives. Remember that with this funding, you can expect safer campgrounds and hiking trails, more public restrooms, and updated facilities on site. Not to mention, a safe and beautiful place to escape to when a public health crisis breaks out and shuts down most of the country.
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