Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, June 21, 2001

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 2 1 093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Thursday, June 2 1 , 200 1 202/225-306 1 Congressman Ehrlich Commends President Bush’s Commitment to Conservation President’s Funding Request Will Protect Maryland’s Environment WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (MD-2) commended President George W. Bush today for calling on Congress to enact his unprecedented investments in parkland and waterway conservation. Congressman Ehrlich stated, “Today, President Bush demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the nation’s parks, waterways, and natural resources, and his support for the local folks who practice sound methods of environmental protection." While visiting Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama today, President Bush reaffirmed his commitment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which helps states and local communities protect and conserve their parks and recreation lands. Specifically, the President’s budget invests a historic $900 million in the LWCF, a $350 million increase over last year’s funding. Most importantly, the President intends to give states unprecedented flexibility in how LWCF funds are spent, so that local communities can also invest in wildlife conservation, wetlands restoration, and protection of endangered species and habitats. Congressman Ehrlich, a supporter of conservation efforts in Congress, has consistently fought to increase investments in the LWCF. The Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), of which Congressman Ehrlich is a cosponsor in Congress, provides that revenues from oil and gas exploration be used solely for environmental conservation and preservation purposes. Congressman Ehrlich continued, “Like all Marylanders, I take great pride in the health and vitality of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding parklands. The investments proposed by President Bush will ensure that our greatest natural treasure is passed along to generations of Marylanders to come.” ###