March 7, 2017

Two bills introduced in the Senate and House would permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The "Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act" (S.569) was introduced on March 8 to compliment the House bill “To permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund” (H.R. 502), which was introduced on January 12. In 2015, the LWCF was not re-authorized, and the program expired on September 30, 2015.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund uses offshore oil and gas leasing revenues to support U.S. natural and cultural heritage and recreation activities. S.569 would authorize and permanently fund the LWCF at $900 million and would not change appropriations due to fiscal year constrictions. 

S.569 was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. H.R. 502 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: Congress.gov, National Park Service