Group wants Newhouse to reauthorize conservation fund

Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, is being “targeted” by a group wanting Congress to reauthorize a 50-year-old environmental fund that has paid for projects in the Tri-City area.

Newhouse is among those the Western Values Project is asking to “stand up to” Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, the Natural Resources Committee’s chairman, to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It is running television ads in Newhouse’s district this month, with an eye on a hearing scheduled before the committee Nov. 18.

“We hope Rep. Newhouse takes it upon himself to stand up to Congressman Bishop and let him know that this fund is too important to play games with,” said Chris Saeger, Western Values Project’s director.

Newhouse sent a letter to Bishop, asking him to reauthorize the fund long term, but not permanently, as some have called for. The letter was sent Sept. 28, days before the fund expired. Newhouse, a first-term member of the Natural Resources Committee, called the fund a “critically important conservation program.”

“The program has played a significant role in the western United States by protecting and facilitating access to public lands,” he said.

But a blanket re-authorization would take away legislative oversight and prevent Congress from making needed reforms, Newhouse wrote.

“For instance, the (fund’s) State Assistance Program has been wildly successful but Congress must ensure that adequate funding for non-federal conservation programs remains available,” he wrote.

Saeger criticized Newhouse for wanting to deal with maintenance of the program in the reauthorization, saying that funding should come from somewhere else.

“Despite a dear colleague letter, Rep. Newhouse has failed to lead or take a strong stance on the Land and Water Conservation Fund,” he said. “Rep. Newhouse should join the bipartisan chorus in congress calling for permanent reauthorization with full funding.”

The fund has used royalties paid by companies drilling for oil and gas along the outer continental shelf to protect and preserve national forests, wildlife refuges, trails and other natural resources. Nearly a half-billion dollars have been invested in Washington since 1964.

In the Mid-Columbia, it has helped pay for the 23-mile Sacagawea Heritage Trail along the Columbia River, Highland Park in Pasco, Vista Park in Kennewick and Burlington Park in Connell.

“The biggest message is that the fund has been an important economic driver,” Saeger said. “It is one that is not paid for by tax dollars.”

Western Values Project accuses Bishop of being backed by “big oil,” saying he is using his power to block the re-authorization. The group also says the “reform” legislation he is proposing would “gut” the program.

Newhouse has received $5,250 from the oil and gas industry during the 2015-16 election cycle, ranking 12th among industries supporting him, according to www.opensecrets.org.

Western Values Project’s Newhouse advertisement can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVzJqKw1qAM.

This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 9:31 PM with the headline "Group wants Newhouse to reauthorize conservation fund."