"Public Lands: Zinke 'Supportive' of LWCF But Gives Budget The Ax"

"While the Trump administration offered a tepid vision for the future of the Land and Water Conservation Fund in its fiscal 2019 budget proposal — slashing the program's acquisition budget by 95 percent — the Interior Department insisted Secretary Ryan Zinke remains a steadfast supporter.

The LWCF — which uses nontaxpayer dollars to preserve and maintain national parks, forests, recreation areas and cultural sites — is set to expire Oct. 1 unless lawmakers reauthorize it. The program, created by Congress in 1965, lapsed in 2015 before receiving a three-year extension.

In President Trump's budget request released yesterday, the administration noted the LWCF's looming deadline but did not appear to be pressing for its salvation, stating only: "The administration will review options for reauthorization.""

Jennifer Yachnin reports for E&E Daily February 13, 2018.