Tester opposes bill that destroys the Land and Water Conservation Fund

(U.S. Senate) – Senator Jon Tester today issued the following statement of opposition in response to Congressman Rob Bishop’s bill to overhaul the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):

“This bill is proof that there are people in Washington who don’t understand how important public lands are to Montana’s outdoor economy and way of life. Gutting the Land and Water Conservation Fund would destroy jobs and prevent hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen and women from enjoying more of Montana’s best outdoor places. I will work hard to make sure this bill doesn’t gain any traction in Congress and continue my fight to permanently authorize and fully fund LWCF for future generations.”

Tester is a sponsor of a bill that would permanently authorize and fully fund LWCF at $900 million every year. The fund lapsed for the first time ever last month after Congress failed to reauthorize it.

LWCF Facts:
• LWCF uses offshore oil and gas revenues to increase public access to public land.
• Montana has received $540 million from LWCF over the past five decades.
• Montanans used LWCF to preserve more than 8,000 acres of elk habitat in Meagher County, known as the Tenderfoot.
• Montana’s outdoor economy brings in nearly $6 billion each year, supporting over 60,000 jobs.