02/10/2024
Hey Friends- Sorry to go on a rant but there is a need to inform you of a current bill in Nebraska that I'd strongly urge you to research and take action against if you enjoy spending time outside or make a living from the land. I’ve also attached an email response back from POS Erdman.
🚨Bottom Line Up Front:
LB 1413 proposes to divert $9.5 million from Nebraska's conservation funds to the general fund, risking the loss of millions more in federal matching conservation dollars from the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts. This move departs from a proven conservation funding model, jeopardizing wildlife conservation and habitat restoration efforts. Opposing this bill is crucial to preserve Nebraska's natural resources and uphold responsible fiscal stewardship.
Express your concerns about LB 1413 and its potential impact on Nebraska's conservation efforts and funding model. It's crucial that our voices are heard to ensure the protection of our state's natural heritage for future generations.
Governor Jim Pillen's Office: Phone: (402) 471-2244, Email: [email protected]
Senator John Arch: Phone: (402) 471-2730, Email: [email protected]
Senator Robert Clements: Phone: (402) 471-2613, Email: [email protected]
Summary of LB 1413:
LB 1413 is a legislative bill in Nebraska proposing a significant shift in funding from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to the general fund. Specifically, sections 30 and 31 of the bill suggest transferring $7,000,000 from the state game fund and $2,500,000 from the Nebraska Habitat Fund into the general fund. This action represents a clear diversion of funds from their designated conservation and wildlife habitat restoration purposes.
Summary of Pittman-Robertson/Dingell-Johnson Acts:
The Pittman-Robertson Act (Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act) and the Dingell-Johnson Act (Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act) are cornerstone federal laws that allocate funding to state wildlife agencies for conservation projects. These funds originate from excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment, and license fees paid by sportsmen and women. A pivotal requirement of these acts is the exclusive use of the funds for wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and related activities, ensuring sportsmen-generated dollars are directly invested back into conservation efforts.
Why LB 1413 Jeopardizes Conservation Funding:
LB 1413's proposed reallocation of funds could violate the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson Acts' stipulations. The diversion of funds to the general fund not only breaches the requirement for conservation funds to be dedicated to their original purpose but also risks making Nebraska ineligible for federal conservation funding. This eligibility is crucial for matching funds from these Acts, meaning Nebraska stands to lose not just the $9.5 million but potentially millions more in federal matching conservation dollars. This bill marks a significant departure from the most successful (and bi-partisan) Conservation and Funding Model in history.
