Washington D.C. – The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement on the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act through the U.S. House from President Gene Karpinski:
“The Great American Outdoors Act is a huge step forward to ensuring that every community has access to nature. This victory is a testament to the power of grassroots activists and the enduring popularity of conservation.
But as a recent report from the Center for American Progress and Hispanic Access Foundation shows, there is more work to be done to ensure every community – especially low income and communities of color – has access to public lands, local parks and other outdoor opportunities. Scientists have called on the United States to preserve at least 30% of our land and ocean by 2030. Building on the success of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, we can reach this critical goal and ensure all people have access to nature and its benefits; feel safe, welcome, and included in the outdoors and other public spaces; and see their communities reflected in the stories told on our public lands about our country’s history.”
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