The American Petroleum Institute (API) issued the following statement ahead of an anticipated vote in the U.S. House on the Great American Outdoors Act, which ensures full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This program relies on offshore oil and natural gas development to supply billions of dollars to support and protect public lands, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and the Canaveral Seashore in Florida.
“As this bipartisan legislation moves forward, it’s important for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to remember that, even during these challenging times, our nation’s conservation efforts are made possible by American oil and natural gas,” Vice President of Upstream Policy Lem Smith said. “Domestic energy development, specifically offshore, will continue to serve as the primary revenue driver for the LWCF, underscoring the importance of maintaining safe production in federal waters.”
LWCF investments secure access to public lands, improve recreational opportunities and preserve ecosystem benefits for Florida’s communities. Earlier this year, the Department of the Interior announced that Florida will receive $10.3 million in revenues from the LWCF program.
In total, $227 million in revenues from the LWCF program, funded from natural gas and oil leasing on federal waters, are being distributed across the country. Revenue for the LWCF program supports water conservation, wildlife habitats, national parks, hiking, hunting and fishing. LWCF investments secure access to public lands, improve recreational opportunities and preserve ecosystem benefits for local communities.
API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.
To learn more about API and the value of oil and natural gas, please visit API.org.
