| It’s almost Halloween and the spookiest thing around D.C. is the ever-lingering threat of a government shutdown. Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has quickly gotten to work on a short-term funding bill to bridge the gap until a long-term solution can be agreed upon. The consequences of a government shutdown are far-reaching, so we look forward to seeing our elected officials come together for the good of the American people. This past summer was full of fright as much of the western U.S., Canada, and Hawaii battled life-threatening wildfires. Catastrophic wildfires not only have widespread public health and environmental impacts but cost hundreds of billions of dollars annually. If you have not already registered, please join ConservAmerica, the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), and our expert panel tomorrow for a webinar on Strategies for Effective Wildfire Management. This month, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing looking at the Administration’s scary five-year plan for offshore drilling, which proposes to hold the fewest offshore oil drilling leases in US history. The largest source of conservation funding in the U.S. comes straight from offshore oil and gas leasing, meaning the decision to offer the minimum number of lease sales legally possible will strip millions from programs like the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF is responsible for significant funding and support of America’s national parks, wildlife refuges, etc, including Katmai National Park, home of the Fat Bears! Our heartiest congratulations to this year’s winner of Fat Bear Week, Grazer. Looking good buddy! Fat Bear Week may be over, but just in time for Halloween, it’s Bat Week! Bats are super cool creatures vital to our ecosystem's health. And on that note, we’ll wrap it up and wish you all a safe and Happy Halloween. Until next time! PS – Our annual Roosevelt Reception, honoring Congressional Roosevelt Conservation Caucus members Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), and Rep. John Curtis (R-UT), is happening November 14. If you, or your organization, has an interest in sponsoring or attending, please contact Todd Johnston at [email protected]. |
