Representative TJ Cox Introduces Great American Outdoors Act in the House
Today, Representative TJ Cox introduced a bipartisan bill that would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which provides funds that allow communities to purchase land and turn it into public resources. This legislation is a companion to the Great American Outdoors Act introduced in the Senate and has support from the White House.
Previous recipients of LWCF funds in and near California’s 21st Congressional District include:
- Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
- Pixley National Wildlife Refuge
- Heritage Park, Lemoore
- Hanford Sports Complex, Hanford
With full funding, communities will be able to tap this fund to protect more land fund outdoor recreation spaces for future generations to enjoy.
"I am proud to stand with a bipartisan and bicameral group of my colleagues to introduce this vital legislation to protect our natural resources and help the American people to preserve our lands,” said Rep. TJ Cox. “This legislation will ensure the LWCF receives guaranteed funding needed to protect our national parks and lands that are vital to our communities, all at no cost to the taxpayer. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important legislation, and applaud the White House for supporting our efforts to protect public lands.”
Joining Rep. TJ Cox as original cosponsors are Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC-1), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Mike Simpson (R-ID-2), John Katko (R-NY-24), Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2), Lee Zeldin (R-NY-1), Kendra Horn (D-OK-5), Steve Stivers (R-OH-15), Jared Golden (D-ME-2) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE-1).
This legislation also has support from numerous conservation organizations including the California League of Conservation Voters, California Wilderness Coalition, Outdoor Afro, and the Hispanic Access Foundation.
“California is home to beautiful public lands and LWCF has helped families across our state treasure and value these spaces for generations," said Mary Creasman CEO of the California League of Conservation Voters. "CLCV is grateful for Rep. TJ Cox's relentless leadership to make sure LWCF is fully and permanently funded. This is a critical step to continue to protect our treasured public lands and allow our families to have access to public spaces."
"The Great American Outdoors Act will help protect California's wild places for generations to come. This bill will help improve outdoor access for all Californians. The California Wilderness Coalition is grateful for Rep. Cox's unwavering commitment to fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and celebrates today's bill introduction," said Chris Morrill, Executive Director, California Wilderness Coalition.
"The Great American Outdoors Act, which fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, will help Black American communities across the country connect to nature. Yes, LWCF protects the places we see in postcards in California. But it also protects the places we teach our kids to ride bikes and play baseball. LWCF has for decades helped expand access and equity for outdoor recreation opportunities. Outdoor Afro community celebrates the introduction of this bill and is grateful to Rep. Cox for his leadership," said Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro.
“COVID-19 has both revealed and exacerbated deep inequities in access to green space, making the need to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund all the more urgent. Hispanic Access Foundation is grateful to Representative Cox and his bipartisan colleagues for introducing the companion bill to the Great American Outdoors Act to create jobs, bolster health, and improve access for our communities in the Central Valley and across the country,” said Shanna Edberg, Director of Conservation Programs, Hispanic Access Foundation.
WATCH: Rep. Cox on the importance of fully funding the LWCF
