Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, March 28, 2000

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 28, 2000 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 CONTACT: Jill Homan 202/225-3061 Environmental Groups Applaud Congressman Ehrlich For Supporting Historic Conservation Legislation Ehrlich Works for Maryland’s S 37 Million Share WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. was praised by the Wilderness Society and the Wildlife Society for supporting landmark conservation and recreation legislation. The legislation, H.R. 701, The Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), provides permanent funding for extensive environmental measures which would benefit Maryland and the nation. CARA would dedicate approximately $2.8 billion in permanent funding every year — with approximately $37 million of that directed to Maryland — for federal, state and local environmental and conservation efforts without levying new taxes or fees. The funding source, instead, would be current federal royalties on offshore oil and gas drilling. CARA would fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to assist federal and state efforts to acquire and care for public lands. In addition, CARA would help restore coastlines impacted by offshore oil drilling, protect wildlife and endangered species, preserve historic buildings, and support urban park and recreation programs. The Wilderness Society President Williams H. Meadows stated, “We commend Representative Ehrlich for his bipartisan leadership and hope that the rest of the House continues in this spirit and will support proposed amendments to strengthen the legislation.” “We applaud the dedication to wildlife conservation that Congressman Ehrlich has demonstrated in co-sponsoring this bill,” Wildlife Society Policy Director Thomas M. Franklin stated. Congressman Ehrlich summarized: “I have been an advocate of the environment and gladly throw my support behind legislation which conserves resources in Maryland and America. I am hopeful CARA will be scheduled for floor consideration in the near future.” ### C