Press Release
October 16, 2019
Delano, CA – A group of Central Valley residents gathered last week at Delano Memorial Park to share with their Member of Congress why parks and public lands are important to the community. At a town hall hosted by the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) and the Central Valley Partnership, Congressman TJ Cox answered questions from attendees and spoke about his work on this issue.
In particular, Congressman Cox highlighted the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Created by Congress in 1964, LWCF is a program that funds the protection of public lands, parks, recreation areas like baseball fields, trails, and rivers. He shared with the crowd that LWCF is a policy priority for him because the Central Valley has benefited directly from the program.
“Protecting public lands is so important to preserve the natural beauty and wonders our country has to offer. Our public lands aren’t just great because they’re beautiful and the envy of the world—they’re great because everyone can enjoy them,” said Rep. Cox. “That’s why I cosponsored the LWCF Permanent Funding Act. This bill would permanently fund LWCF by requiring mandatory appropriations for the program. Congress already permanently authorized the program with the passage of public lands package earlier this year. This bill is a no brainer because it builds on this previous bill and forces Congress to keep its promise.”
“I am also a recent cosponsor of the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act and San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act,” continued Rep. Cox. “While this administration has declared all-out war on our public lands, I need you to stay strong and with me and protect one of our most valuable resources.”
Congressman Cox also noted that just this past September the National Park Service announced that it will award over $1.3 million in funding to the Shafter Recreation and Park District through LWCF. The funding is expected to help the city of Shafter with acquiring land for a new park for families and children to enjoy in the 21st Congressional District.
Mike Young, Political & Organizing Director with the California League of Conservation Voters, attended the event and spoke afterwards about the benefits of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
“The benefits of LWCF are many, including contributing to local economies and protecting much needed space for people to recreate outdoors. We’re grateful for Congressman Cox’s important leadership on this issue. He’s listening to his constituents, hearing that they want public lands and parks protected, and helping to make that happen.”
LWCF does not use any taxpayer dollars. It is funded using revenues from offshore oil and gas to support the conservation of our land and water. House and Senate versions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act are pending in Congress and will permanently fund LWCF if passed and preserve dedicated funds. The House bill, H.R. 3195, has over 200 bipartisan cosponsors.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
