President Trump Signs the 'Historic' Great American Outdoors Act into Law Preserving Our National Parks

Aimee Herd : Aug 4, 2020
The Hill

None of the funding in the bill would come from taxpayer dollars. Instead, programs would be funded by royalties from energy developments on federal lands and waters. -Fox News

Earlier today, President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law; which funds and preserves US National Parks. (Screengrab image)

Speaking at the signing, Ivanka Trump—the President's daughter—noted that the funding was "long overdue."

Back in March, President Trump tweeted: "I am calling on Congress to send me a Bill that fully and permanently funds the LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund) and restores our National Parks. When I sign it into law, it will be HISTORIC for our beautiful public lands..."

The Great American Outdoors Act was a bipartisan-supported piece of legislation, a rarity in these divided times.

According to a report by The Hill, "the LWCF provides money to protect endangered species habitats, develop parks and outdoor recreation sites and protect sensitive forests. It was permanently authorized last year, but its funding was never guaranteed. The bill would also provide up to $1.9 billion annually for five years for national park maintenance. As of 2018, the maintenance backlog consisted of nearly $12 billion worth of deferred repairs."

"None of the funding in the bill would come from taxpayer dollars. Instead, programs would be funded by royalties from energy developments on federal lands and waters. "This concept has been in place for decades, directing royalties that aren't obligated for other services into funds for priorities repairs," Marcia Argust with Pew Charitable Trusts told Fox News. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Click here to watch President Trump sign the Great American Outdoors Act into law.