U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured and advanced a $30 million increase in funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) out of the U.S. Senate, which would bring the fund to $465 million.
“LWCF is a critical tool that helps increase public access to public lands and preserve our Montana way of life,” Daines said. “While I am glad to see a $30 million dollar increase in funding for LWCF advance through the U.S. Senate, I remain committed and will not stop fighting until we get full funding.”
The last time LWCF funding was at $465 million was 2004. Since joining Congress, Daines helped secure a 50% increase in funding.
In addition to securing the $30 million increase in funding in the appropriations process, Daines is fighting to advance his bipartisan bill for full, mandatory funding of LWCF in the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which Daines is a member of.
Daines’ efforts on LWCF have received significant support from public lands advocates in Montana including the Montana Association of Land Trusts, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Trout Unlimited, Montana Wildlife Federation, the Wilderness Society, and more. Click HERE to see a long list of supportive quotes, stories, tweets, and more from folks across the spectrum.
Background:
Daines has been a leading voice in the U.S. Senate for LWCF funding and protection of public lands.
Daines recent actions this Congress include:
In September, Daines secured over $1 million LWCF funding for public access and outdoor recreation in Montana
On March 12th, 2019, Daines joined President Trump in the White House for the signing of a historic bipartisan lands package which included the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act.
On February 26th, 2019, House leadership responded to Daines’ request and passed the public lands package with critical Montana wins.
On February 12th, 2019, Daines secured Senate passage of the landmark bipartisan public lands package that includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act among other provisions important to conservation and public access to public lands.
On February 14th, 2019, Daines secured a $10 million increase for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), bringing funding for the program to $435 million for 2019.
On January 30th, 2019, Daines successfully convinced Senate leadership to bring the public lands package up for a vote in early in the 116th Congress.
To learn more about Senator Daines efforts to protect our public lands and promote outdoor recreation, click HERE.
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