The landmark bill totaling more than 100 land and conservation measures is one step closer to becoming law.
Congress passed S.47 on Tuesday, the Natural Resources Management Act, and sent the bill to President Donald Trump's desk for signing. It will help protect 2 million acres of land and reauthorize crucial conservation programs, translating to a better future for outdoor recreation in the United States.
Overwhelming approval in the form of a 363-62 vote moved the bill through Congress after a similar passing through the Senate weeks prior. President Trump is expected to sign it into law.
U.S. Representative Raul Grijalva called the passage "a massive win for the present and future of American conservation."
We did it! Congress saved #LWCF! Both the House (363-62) and Senate (92-8) have passed S. 47, the Public Lands Package that includes permanent authorization of LWCF. Next and final step, the President signs it into law! pic.twitter.com/f6RqYvcilS
— Land&WaterConsFund (@LWCFCOALITION) February 26, 2019
The Act looks to expand Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Death Valley National Park. It will also protect more than 2 million acres of land near Yellowstone National Park and outside North Cascades National Park from future mining operations.
Most notably, the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will trigger once the bill is signed, helping maintain the Federal program that pumps funding and effort into public land and water conservation measures. The LWCF expired last year, and was a source of worry for sportsmen groups across the country. Luckily it was included in S.47, setting some conservation-centered minds at ease.
The Act totals over 100 land and conservation measures.
NEXT: NEW BIGHORN SHEEP RECORD IS TESTIMONY TO CONSERVATION
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