The Committee on Natural Resources today held a legislative hearing on the Protecting America’s Recreation and Conservation (PARC) Act discussion draft, which proposes to reauthorize and reform the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Chairman Bishop commented following the hearing:

“Today, we heard from states and local park advocates on the need for more money for the successful LWCF Stateside Program  – and I want to give it to them.  On the one hand, we have my bill, which would restore the integrity of the Fund, protect private property owners from eminent domain, provide new educational opportunities and significantly bolster recreational access at the state and local level as the law originally intended. On the other hand, we have the Obama administration and powerful special interest groups that profit financially under the current LWCF regime, who are willing to lie and cheat to lock in permanently a system that lacks transparency and swindles states’ recreational needs.”  

“I am encouraged by the discussion today. The input provided by this panel will help us begin to improve this policy as we move through the legislative process. Ultimately, the law will be reformed.”

Click here for witness testimony and here for more information on the PARC Act.