Washington, D.C. (May 11) – Following is a statement from Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.) on the House of Representative's overwhelming passage (315-102) of its version of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 701):

"This afternoon, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed its version of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act, what may well be the most significant conservation legislation in generations. First of all, I would like to commend Energy Committee Chairman Don Young for his extraordinary effort in drawing bipartisan support for this important legislation, as well as Ranking Member George Miller. My Louisiana colleagues, Congressmen Chris John and Billy Tauzin, should also be commended for their outstanding leadership and dedication. Now the focus moves to the Senate, where I am confident we will be able to replicate what the House has accomplished. Although some outstanding issues remain, I know we can get this legislation passed this year. The House proved today that is strongly supports CARA. Now we must build on that momentum and pass CARA in the Senate. The time has come to take a portion of the proceeds from a nonrenewable resource and reinvest them in the conservation and enhancement of our renewable resources."