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Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, a letter from the National Governors' Association on September 27th to the majority leader of the Senate expresses the National Governors' Association's views that any final version of the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) legislation include stable funding and a strong commitment to the states by reinvesting Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) mineral revenues into assets of lasting value and sharing a meaningful portion of these revenues with states and territories. In addition, the letter points out that the essential strengths of CARA are that it assures a dependable stream of funding which enables states to implement long-term capital investments and to develop cost-effective fiscal strategies.
I ask unanimous consent to print the letter in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION,
Washington, DC, September 27, 2000.
Hon. TRENT
LOTT,
Senate Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
DEAR SENATOR LOTT: The nation's Governors support legislation that both wisely reinvests Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) mineral revenues into assets of lasting value and shares a meaningful portion of these revenues with states and territories. We have previously endorsed H.R. 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), but recognize that alternatives are being considered. We urge that any final legislation allocating OCS revenues include stable funding and a strong commitment to the states.
As new proposals are floated, we hope that you will remember the essential strengths of CARA. CARA assures a dependable stream of funding. This enables states to implement long-term capital investments and to develop cost-effective fiscal strategies. Being subjected to the annual appropriations process will not provide the stability necessary for states to take advantage of low-interest bonds, enter into voluntary conservation agreements with private landowners, and invest in long-term programs to recover declining species. A one-year appropriation to state programs simply will not address concerns.
CARA also focuses on conserving and preserving both federal and state assets. Parks, estuaries, wildlife, and historical properties are not limited to federal lands. A meaningful share of the Outer Continental Shelf revenues should be shared with the states and territories so that investments in the conservation of America can occur in a comprehensive manner. This hallmark of CARA is the investment of resources and the empowerment of states to set their own priorities, particularly as they respond to federal mandates and fulfill state environmental goals. These fundamental elements must be incorporated into any final legislation.
As you know, Representative Norman D. Dicks (D-Wash.) recently proposed a ``Lands Legacy Trust'' fund amendment to the fiscal 2001 Interior appropriations conference report. Many Governors perceive the Dicks amendment as a departure from the principles of CARA. The Dicks amendment does not guarantee an increase in net funding or guarantee full funding for conservation programs.
The reported CARA compromise reached by congressional leaders on September 26th is an approach that more closely resembles the principles of CARA. This proposal has the support of the National Governors' Association (NGA) and should be strongly considered as a viable option as negotiations proceed.
On behalf of NGA, we urge that any final legislation allocating OCS revenues address the concerns we have raised. We appreciate your efforts to conserve the nation's most valuable resources by creating a lasting and comprehensive legacy for the American people and future generations.
Sincerely,
END