Farm Bill Safeguards National Parks, Provides Funding for Conservation and Climate Change Programs

Washington, DC – Last night, top committee leaders in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate revealed an agreement on a new farm bill, which would provide increased conservation funding and the addition of climate-smart programs to better support and protect our public lands and their air, waters and wildlife. The bill demonstrates lawmakers’ commitment to ensuring our bedrock environmental laws remain intact, lands adjacent to parks remain largely unharmed by other management agencies or private landowners, and that some of our strongest park ecosystems, like the Great Lakes will be supported by robust conservation funding. Next, both chambers of Congress must approve the legislation in order to send it to President Trump to be signed into law.

Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for National Parks Conservation Association

“By rejecting dangerous and partisan riders, the new farm bill is a major victory for conservation, wildlife, public lands and waters, and communities. While no bill is perfect, this farm bill demonstrates the commitment of lawmakers to ensure our nation’s conservation funding, nutrition programs and even climate impacts are addressed. This bipartisan support and momentum in Congress is needed now more than ever, and we commend those who worked together on this important legislation. Americans deserve safe food, clean water and protected and restored public lands. This bill will help to make that a reality.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.