Congressman William Lacy Clay honored by Environment Missouri for supporting Missouri’s parks and open spaces

Media Contacts
Bridget Sanderson

Former State Director, Environment Missouri

Bridget Sanderson

Former State Director, Environment Missouri

Environment Missouri

St. Louis, MO– Environment Missouri honored Congressman William Lacy Clay on November 25th at Tower Grove Park for his support of Missouri’s parks and open spaces. Congressman Clay voted in the spring to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and now is cosponsoring legislation to fully fund the program. 

 

The 54-year-old program has funded projects ranging from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to local neighborhood parks such as Tower Grove Park. Despite its long-standing success, the fund has consistently been shortchanged as Congress has diverted $22 billion dollars from the program to non-conservation related projects over the years. 

 

But Congressman Clay is now co-sponsoring the Land and Water Conservation Fund Permanent Funding Act ( H.R. 3195), which is currently being considered in Congress and would safeguard the money for these vital projects. 

“Protecting and maintaining our country’s outdoor places doesn’t happen by accident — it requires sustained stewardship, funding, and leadership,” said Bridget Sanderson with Environment Missouri. “We’re pleased to be here today highlighting Congressman Clay’s leadership.” 

At the event, Congressman Clay, along with local electeds Alderwomen Megan Green and Annie Rice and the Sustainability Director for St. Louis Catherine Werner, explained why the LWCF is so important for not only Missourians but also people nationwide.

“We’re hopeful that Congress can get the job done this year because there’s no lack of support,” said Bridget Sanderson. “Earlier this year, the House voted 363 to 62 to permanently reauthorize the program, and now more than half of the House has cosponsored the bill to fully fund this important program. Let’s get it done.” 

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Environment Missouri is a citizen based advocacy organization that works to protect our clean air, clean water, and public lands.

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