Sustainable investment is about the future
In September, Congress failed to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a bipartisan program that has been funding and protecting public spaces for generations of Americans. Congress’ failure to renew the fund before it expired on Sept. 30 puts the future of this important program at risk.
Over the last 53 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has funded more than 40,000 projects across our nation to establish, protect and enhance playgrounds, parks, trails and pools along with wildlife habitat, working forests, clean water sources and historic sites.
As the chief executive officer and president of an investment firm, my professional focus is helping my clients make responsible and sustainable investments. After decades in the industry, I can recognize a good deal when I see one, and permanently reauthorizing and funding the the Land and Water Conservation Fund is one of the best deals the government can make for the American public. Funded by royalties paid by oil and gas companies, the fund costs the taxpayers nothing, but nearly every American receives its benefits. The fund represents a low-risk, low-cost, high-reward investment for all.
Protected public lands and parks are the foundation for New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy, which annually generates $9.9 billion in spending that supports 99,000 New Mexican jobs. The Land and Water Conservation Fund’s investment of more than $312 million in our state — spread among federal, state and local parks and facilities — drives this economic sector.
The the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s projects are among the most sustainable and socially responsible investments our government can make for our communities because the fund’s projects improve the quality of life for people of all backgrounds. Any business owner will tell you that a city or community with a high quality of life is a good place for business.
That’s why it is no surprise a recent survey found that over 80 percent of business owners in New Mexico and three other Western states support fully funding and reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund. A community maintaining a good quality of life not only draws customers but also attracts and retains a diverse pool of entrepreneurs and employees.
Business owners know that people from all backgrounds use the places for which the fund pays. Our kids play at the playgrounds and ballparks during long summer days. Our families take hikes or camping trips in national parks, forests and monuments. Hunters and anglers access and use our public lands and waters to connect with family and friends and to put food in the freezer and on the table. As for me, I’m an avid trail runner using public trails in many states, including West Virginia, Oregon and, of course, right here in New Mexico.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps keep these opportunities open and accessible and also provides new ones. Without Congress’ immediate reauthorization of this important fund, the future of this legacy is at risk.
Residents in New Mexico understand the importance of public lands and the impact they have on the community and community business. That’s why I regularly see my clients prioritize the environment in their portfolios.
New Mexico Democratic Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, along with Democratic Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham, also know the value of Land and Water Conservation Fund to New Mexico, which is why they have been consistent and vocal about the urgent need to cement its funding and authorization.
Sustainable investment is about the future. My industry is focused on making smart choices today that will pay dividends in the future. Congress must renew that commitment to the American public by permanently reauthorizing and fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, for our benefit now and for the benefit of our children and grandchildren in the future.