WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Conservation Groups Applaud House Passage of Cunningham’s Great American Outdoors Act
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 310-107 to pass Rep. Joe Cunningham’s landmark conservation legislation, the Great American Outdoors Act. This bipartisan legislation permanently and fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addresses priority repair needs in our national parks and other land management agencies.
The Senate has already passed this legislation and President Trump is expected to sign this legislation into law shortly.
The Great American Outdoors Act has been called the most significant conservation legislation in decades and Cunningham’s efforts have earned praise from conservation groups in the Lowcountry and across the nation.
What conservation leaders are saying:
“Congressman Cunningham’s bill is a historic investment in community parks and public lands. It’s a huge step forward to ensuring that every community has access to nature. People have been working for decades to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, but Congressman Cunningham’s leadership was critical to finally getting it done. His hard work and willingness to reach across the aisle has helped deliver a massive win for the Lowcountry and communities all across the country,” said Gene Karpinski, President, League of Conservation Voters.
“From the Lowcountry to Sumter National Forest, South Carolina’s wild landscapes are integral to our identity, our economy and our well-being. Amidst all the challenges we face, the Great American Outdoors Act is a once-in-a-generation investment in conservation, one South Carolina and the rest of the country needs right now. By fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and investing in the care of our national parks and public lands, this act will create jobs, rebuild local economies and increase access to the outdoors for all. Congressman Cunningham’s tireless and dedicated leadership helped make today’s vote possible, and we are grateful for him guiding the Great American Outdoors Act out of the House,” said Dale Threatt-Taylor, SC State Director of the Nature Conservancy.”
“The Great American Outdoors Act is good for wildlife like red knots and flatwoods salamanders, but it is also good for the economy, reducing our climate change pollution, and protecting human health. We need to see more bipartisan climate solutions like this coming through Congress and we particularly need more champions like Rep. Cunningham leading the way. Now, more than ever, we need role models for action that will shape the future of our country and lay the foundation for the reality that future generations will face here in South Carolina and around the country,” said Sara K. Green, Executive Director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.
"The bipartisan passage of the Great American Outdoors Act by the House is yet another big conservation victory made possible through Congressman Cunningham's tireless leadership to protect the natural resources of the Lowcountry. Full and permanent funding for the Land & Water Conservation Fund will create jobs by supporting our outdoor recreation and tourism economy and will also ensure that all communities across South Carolina have access to safe, quality parks and open spaces and the health benefits that come with them. We applaud Rep. Cunningham's hard work on this historic bill and his continued work to protect natural beauty and quality of life in the Lowcountry,” said John Tynan, Executive Director of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina.
“The passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is a watershed moment for conservation in our country. With full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the conservation community is primed and ready to continue efforts to preserve the incredible array of history, culture, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunity that makes our country so special, for all people. We are incredibly grateful for Representative Cunningham’s leadership and support of this vital legislation for South Carolina,” said David Ray, Chief Conservation Officer at Lowcountry Land Trust.
“We commend House leadership and Representative Joe Cunningham for their commitment in moving the Great American Outdoors Act forward, culminating in overwhelming bipartisan approval today. The bill will invest non-taxpayer dollars to help preserve our nation’s historic sites and natural legacy, protect access to public lands, and create jobs in local communities nationwide,” said Marcia Argust, Project Director of the Restore America’s parks campaign at The Pew Charitable Trusts.
“Today’s bipartisan House passage of the 'Great American Outdoors Act' gets us to the very brink of fully and permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund so it can serve its full potential for our country and communities. After years of leadership and support from long-term and recent champions in both chambers of Congress, the 'Great American Outdoors Act' is now heading to the President’s desk with a tidal wave of momentum. Once signed, this historic bill will finally keep the 55-year-old promise of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to strengthen our communities through investment in our parks and public lands,” said Jamie Williams, President of The Wilderness Society.
“We appreciate Rep. Joe Cunningham’s leadership on the Great American Outdoors Act. This overwhelmingly bipartisan bill is good for the Lowcountry’s economy, birds, and people. During the pandemic, more people are appreciating the beauty, accessibility, and protection of our state’s parks, wildlife refuges, and recreation sites that stand to benefit from this legislation,” said Justin Stokes, Vice President, National Audubon Society & Executive Director, Audubon South Carolina.
“The Great American Outdoors Act guarantees the preservation of old growth forests at Congaree National Park, vital history at the Reconstruction Era National Monument, and other special places across our state. Fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a critical source of funding for South Carolina’s public lands, preserves public access to our outdoor spaces and improves communities across the Lowcountry. We applaud Congressman Cunningham, a lead sponsor of the bill in the House, and all who supported it,” said Laura Cantral, Executive Director of Coastal Conservation League.
“I commend Congressman Joe Cunningham for successfully shepherding a bipartisan bill that fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and improves the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. The Lowcountry will benefit immensely from this legislation, and generations to come will see its effect,” said Ducks Unlimited Board Member Mike McShane.
“The Great American Outdoors Act is the single greatest piece of conservation and outdoor recreation legislation passed in decades. It is proof that the outdoors crosses party lines and resonates with all Americans. We applaud House Democrats and Republicans— particularly Representative Cunningham and the other Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Restore our Parks Act sponsors — for working together tirelessly to get this done. The entire outdoor recreation industry thanks every Member of Congress who supported this bill so we can finally fully fund LWCF and begin the much-needed work on rebuilding infrastructure on our public lands and waters,” said Jessica (Wahl) Turner, executive director of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.
"The passage of the Great American Outdoors Act represents the most significant investment in our federal public lands to enhance conservation and increase public access in a lifetime. We applaud Congressman Cunningham - alongside his bipartisan colleagues in the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus - for his steadfast leadership on this historic legislation and for his continued commitment to sportsmen and women,” said Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation President Jeff Crane.
“Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is a tremendous win for the Lowcountry’s unique and irreplaceable landscapes. South Carolina’s federal, state and local lands and parks, from the upstate to the coast, have a bright future. Joe Cunningham, thank you for your leadership!”, said Nate Berry, the Open Space Institute’s Senior Vice President and Southeast Program Director.