Copyright 2000 The Tribune Co. Publishes The Tampa Tribune
The Tampa Tribune
September 9, 2000, Saturday, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: NATION/WORLD, Pg. 14
LENGTH: 280 words
HEADLINE:
Conservation measure merits action;
BODY:
Time is running out on a critical
piece of environmental legislation before the U.S. Senate.
The
Conservation and Reinvestment Act enjoys widespread, bipartisan
support, yet the Senate has fewer than two dozen legislative days before
its scheduled Oct. 6 adjournment.
The measure could easily be pushed
aside during the closing crush. That would be lamentable.
The act would
provide $ 2.8 billion annually for the next 15 years from the federal
government's offshore oil drilling and leasing royalties to fund
conservation and recreation programs. The bulk of the
money would go to states and local governments. The act would not add to the
federal bureaucracy or increase taxes.
CARA would fund, among
other things: coastal conservation, the acquisition of
wilderness and urban green space, the purchase of
conservation rights from private landowners, programs to
protect wildlife, historic preservation efforts and recreation programs.
If the bill is adopted, Florida will gain $ 141 million annually through
2015 for conservation.
It is easy to see why the
measure enjoys support from conservatives and liberals alike. The House
version passed 315-102. All 50 of the nation's governors support the bill.
President Clinton also endorses it.
There is no question that the
country needs more money to preserve valuable natural areas, whether they
be in the wilds or in the city. The funding source - fees for utilizing natural
resources - is appropriate.
The Conservation and
Reinvestment Act would help all states and give this Congress a
memorable environmental legacy. It should not be overlooked in the waning
days of Congress.
NOTES: EDITORIALS
LOAD-DATE: September 10, 2000
