"As Clock Ticks, Divide Jeopardizes Renewal of Key Law"

"A deep rift threatens the future of one of the nation's oldest and most popular conservation laws as it enters its final 100 days of authorization.

Since 1965, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been used to acquire and preserve some of the nation's most iconic landscapes, including Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state.

It's also provided more than $4 billion to states to build baseball diamonds, shooting ranges, ice skating rinks, boat ramps, off-road areas and golf courses.

But the fund expires Sept. 30, and key lawmakers are sharply divided on how to extend it."

Phil Taylor reports for E&E Daily June 24, 2015.