U.S. Sen. Steve Daines has signed on as a co-sponsor to permanently establish a conservation fund that is set to expire in September, drawing praise from environmental groups who say the measure is vital to maintaining the region’s public lands.
Daines, a Republican, joined Democratic Sen. Jon Tester last week in supporting the bill, S. 338, which was introduced in February by Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina. It would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which uses profits from offshore oil and gas developments to fund conservation and land acquisitions across the country.
In its half-century, the fund has provided $16 billion for conservation projects, including about $400 million in Montana, making the money available for matching grants to buy fish and wildlife habitat and increase access for recreation like hunting and fishing.
Permanently reauthorizing the LWCF has been the center of a recurring political battle, and even supporters say the program has room for improvement.
In the past, Daines has supported legislation to permanently establish the fund, but came under fire when he voted against an earlier amendment that would have reauthorized the LWCF in perpetuity.
The junior senator said that vote was not evidence of his lack of support, but rather an effort to push reform measures, particularly in terms of increasing transparency in the program, ensuring funds are better utilized to expand access to public lands, and increasing the state’s role in the program.
Last week, however, Daines co-sponsored the Burr bill, saying it’s the best path forward to permanently reauthorize the fund, and doesn’t close the door on reform.
The move prompted a flurry of praise from groups like the Wilderness Society and Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
“Without this vital piece of legislation, our public lands will be threatened by poorly planned growth and development,” said Peter Aengst, regional director of the Northern Rockies at The Wilderness Society. “We thank Senator Daines for joining with Senator Tester and other Senators to back this LWCF reauthorization bill to preserve our country’s natural treasures.”
“Public lands – and the ability of citizens to access and enjoy them – are a defining element of our identity as Montanans,” said John Sullivan, co-chair of BHA’s Montana chapter. “We thank Senator Daines for listening to Montana sportsmen and other outdoors users, and we commend his decision to join Senator Tester in calling for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The LWCF remains one of the best tools available to conserve important public lands and waters – and uphold our outdoor traditions for future generations of Montanans.”