Protect the Land and Water Conservation Fund From Federal Funding Cuts

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a special program that protects parks, wildlife refuges, and sensitive habitat, and improves recreational opportunities across the nation. The LWCF can also help coastal communities better prepare for climate change impacts by protecting coastal lands. Intact, resilient coastlines act as ‘buffers’ against sea level rise and extreme weather by reducing erosion and protecting open space and habitats.

After years of advocacy as well as a report and short film launched by Surfrider about the LWCF detailing how the program has benefited countless miles of coastlines and local communities, the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law by President Trump after receiving bipartisan support. The bill includes a provision to fully fund the LWCF every year, permanently!

Now just three years after securing permanent funding for this important program, Congress is trying to renege on its commitment and rescind $100 million from the LWCF in the 2024 federal budget. Current text of the Senate Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill would set a dangerous precedent by reducing funding for LWCF due to some states and agencies not yet spending previous year allocations. Un-obligated funding from prior years should be retained in the LWCF account and reprogrammed to the many unmet needs across the country; not used as an excuse to reduce total funding to this important program! Surfrider, along with coalition partners, is working with federal leaders in the Senate to ensure that this program remains fully funded in the next federal budget, and all budgets going forward.