The nation's largest conservation education organization enthusiastically welcomed passage, by a vote of 315 to 102, of H.R. 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), by the House of Representatives here today.

"This is a landmark victory for wildlife and wild places," said Mark Van Putten, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "We urge the Senate to respond quickly and favorably to the momentum that's placed this legislation within sight of enactment."

CARA represents a unique bipartisan coalition forged by its chief co-sponsors, Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and George Miller (D-CA). The bill provides $2.8 billion annually through the year 2015 to fund a variety conservation, wildlife, recreation and environmental restoration projects primarily at the state, but also at the federal level. All CARA funding comes from offshore oil and gas drilling leases.

"CARA means wildlife will remain healthy, not become imperiled; that special landscapes will remain open, not be developed; and that damaged coastlines will be given the chance to heal, not remain poisoned," Van Putten said.

The House-passed version of CARA includes strengthening provisions proposed by Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and others that in particular increase protections against incentives for new offshore drilling. The Federation will continue to seek improvements as the bill moves forward in the Senate.