New Ad Campaign Urges Florida Representatives Curbelo And Mica To Protect Vital Land And Water Conservation Program
Today, the Western Values Project released new television advertisements calling on Florida Representatives Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) and John Mica (FL-07) to safeguard the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a 50-year-old federal program, with bipartisan support, that Congress allowed to lapse in September.
The ads criticize opposition to the popular program from House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT). Bishop blocked the Fund’s reauthorization and is now proposing “reform” legislation that would, in effect, gut the LWCF.
The ads – which come as Congress returns from one vacation and prepares to leave for another – are part of a six-figure buy and will air for one week in the districts of Reps. Curbelo and Mica. Western Values Project is also running advertisements in Pennsylvania targeting Reps. Ryan Costello (PA-06) and Michael Fitzpatrick (FL-08).
You can view all the ads here: http://westernvaluesproject.
The LWCF has provided roughly $17 billion for conservation projects in every state, and approximately $997 million for projects in Florida alone. Like many states, Florida has key projects that were slated for funding by LWCF in 2016 – including critical acreage to protect the headwaters of the Everglades (the famed “River of Grass”) – but that now are at risk of development because of the stalemate in Congress.
The LWCF uses royalties from offshore oil and gas drilling – and no taxpayer dollars – to support conservation of natural areas and water resources ranging from famous national parks like the Grand Canyon to important historic sites like Mount Vernon to other areas like forests, wildlife refuges, wetlands, and local parks and playgrounds. The Fund has received broad bipartisan support during its 50-year history and has proven to be one of the most effective tools in maintaining recreational opportunities for families. It also has contributed to the economic strength of communities by supporting a multi-billion dollar outdoor economy.
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund deserves full funding and permanent reauthorization now,” said Chris Saeger, Director of Western Values Project. “Representative Rob Bishop’s political gamesmanship threatens our most successful, widespread, and beloved parks program. Representatives Curbelo and Mica need to do the right thing and stand up for LWCF – not let Bishop bully them around.”
Voiceover script from the 30-second ad (Curbelo version):
For 50 years, the gridlock of Washington hasn’t been seen here. Now, one Utah Congressman, backed by Big Oil, is putting up roadblocks…To end funding for thousands of parks, playgrounds and trails in every state…By blocking renewal of the bipartisan Land and Water Fund, which uses no taxpayer money and helped protect the Everglades. Tell Carlos Curbelo to get Washington politicians out of our way and restore the Land and Water Fund.
Fact Sheet: http://westernvaluesproject.
No Comment