Rep. Ciscomani Joins Effort Urging for Protection of the LWCF

Tucson, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) has joined an effort to preserve the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) as it currently stands, opposing any future amendments to the Fund that would jeopardize conservation and critical outdoor recreation needs.

Representative Ciscomani joined other House members dedicated to protecting the LWCF in writing a letter to the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman, urging him to ensure the LWCF is not amended in any of the Committee's current or future consideration of this or any other legislation.

"Public lands and water conservation efforts are crucial for the communities of southeastern Arizona. I am a strong advocate for the Land and Water Conservation Fund as it directly supports the unique needs of our region and ensures that we have the funding needed to protect our most vital resources," said Rep. Ciscomani. "I am proud to join my colleagues in advocating for the continued conservation efforts included in the LWCF and remain committed to supporting this critical fund."

Funds from the LWCF directly advance crucial projects that support our land, water, and wildlife across the United States. In 2020, under the leadership of President Trump and Chairman Westerman's support, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), permanently funding LWCF. This landmark legislation carried out a long-overdue promise to ensure that the $900 million deposited into the LWCF from offshore oil and gas receipts will truly be used for the purposes intended. This action, in addition to passage of the 2019 John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act received strong bipartisan support in the House and were signed into law by President Trump.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, "As you know, LWCF is a foundational conservation and recreation commitment that works extremely well as authorized to support our public lands and local economies, and the commitments we made to LWCF in GAOA and the Dingell Act are settled law. We appreciate that this vital program now allocates the full $900 million in annual LWCF funding guaranteed by statute to the suite of 10 authorized LWCF federal, state, and local conservation subprograms. In that context, we appreciate your efforts in the recent bipartisan legislation on America's Legacy Restoration Fund, and urge you to ensure that LWCF is not amended as the Committee moves forward with consideration of this and any other legislation, so that LWCF's dedicated funds continue to address conservation and outdoor recreation access needs, including for sportsmen's access."

Local leaders have expressed strong support for Rep. Ciscomani's effort to protect the Fund.

"We appreciate Congressman Juan Ciscomani's leadership in standing up for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and its long-standing promise to Arizona's hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities. LWCF has helped conserve wildlife habitat, expand public access, and strengthen Arizona's outdoor recreation economy. By supporting this effort to protect the integrity of LWCF, Congressman Ciscomani is helping ensure this critical program continues to benefit current and future generations," said Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director, Arizona Wildlife Federation.

"Thank you, Congressman Ciscomani. Your support sends a strong message: conserving our public lands and outdoor heritage remains a priority for communities across America,"said Christian Stumpf, Director of External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy in Arizona.

Representative Ciscomani remains a dedicated advocate for the LWCF and the essential support for conservation it provides.

Read the full letter HERE.

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