Copyright 2000 The Tribune Co. Publishes The Tampa Tribune
The Tampa Tribune
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February 19, 2000, Saturday, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: NATION/WORLD, Pg. 14
LENGTH: 173 words
HEADLINE: A
wise government investment;
BODY:
This
week the U.S. House passed out of committee the Conservation and
Reinvestment Act. Alaska Republican Don Young, who chairs the
House Resources Committee, and California Democrat George Miller were
chiefly responsible for developing the bill, which has strong bipartisan support
and 294 co-sponsors.
That support is justified. The bill is
perhaps the most important environmental legislation in a decade.
It would provide $ 2.8 billion every year through 2015 for
conservation purposes. All the money would come from
revenue already being generated by offshore oil and gas leases.
Much of
the money would go to states to protect wildlife habitat, develop recreation
areas and clean up or preserve coastal areas. The legislation also
includes money for urban parks and historic preservation.
The
Conservation and Reinvestment Act is a smart investment in
valuable public resources. It will not increase taxes. It will help
safeguard or revive American treasures. It merits swift passage by
Congress.
NOTES: EDITORIALS
LOAD-DATE: February 21, 2000 
