Congressman Don Young Officially Becomes a Member of the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC—Alaska Congressman Don Young (R-AK) officially became a member of the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC). Named after noted conservationist and American President Teddy Roosevelt, the RCC is an effort to champion the environmental legacy of conservatives by promoting market-based environmental stewardship and conservation legislation in Congress. The RCC is Co-Chaired in the House by Congressman Brian Mast and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Senate Co-Chairs include Senator Lindsay Graham and Senator Cory Gardner.

“I am proud to represent countless hunters and sportsmen in Congress, and as one of them myself, I find it crucially important to protect our environment and wildlife populations for generations to come,” said Congressman Young. “In Congress, I have long championed environmental causes including permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, legislation to protect multi-national species, and efforts to crack down on animal trafficking and poaching. Throughout his life, President Roosevelt was committed to our environment, and the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus presents conservatives with a unique opportunity to honor his legacy by advocating for environmental stewardship. I look forward to working with fellow Caucus members in both the House and Senate on meaningful and effective legislation to secure a bright environmental future for everyone.”

“Good policy requires all stakeholders having a seat at the table. For too long, conservative lawmakers, and the Americans they represent have been left out of the environmental conversation,” said American Conservation Coalition Legislative Director Quill Robinson. “The Roosevelt Conservation Caucus will reengage conservatives on key environmental issues and be a source for free-market, limited-government policy solutions. The American Conservation Coalition is proud to be working on this important project with Congressman Young.”

Background:

• Congressman Young has consistently supported funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and this Congress, supported permanent LWCF reauthorization as part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which has since been signed into law.

• In the 116th Congress, Congressman Young and Congressman Alan Lowenthal introduced the WILD Act—a bipartisan bill containing measures to conserve threatened wildlife and wild places around the world. This legislation includes a reauthorization of the Multinational Species Conservation Fund, a program that provides funding for species conservation efforts in several regions. The program includes dedicated funds for rhinos, tigers, great apes, marine turtles, African and Asian elephants.

• Congressman Young and Congressman John Garamendi have also introduced the Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act—legislation that bolsters federal enforcement against poachers, traffickers, and the global trade in illegal wildlife and seafood products.

Last Congress, Congressman Young helped lead the appropriations effort in the House to secure funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). NAWCA is the only federal program specifically dedicated to the protection and conservation of America’s wetlands.