Letter: Bush out of his environment

Sunday, June 11, 2000 | 9:54 a.m.

First, the focal point of Bush's initiative -- full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund -- is not a new idea, nor is his proposal to use 50 percent of the funds for state and local projects. The House of Representatives recently passed the Conservation and Reinvestment Act, which would provide the same protections as Bush's proposal and more. The Clinton-Gore administration supports this legislation and, in addition, has requested significant funding for land conservation through its Lands Legacy initiative.

Secondly, Bush's proposal implies that the Clinton-Gore administration has failed to work with landowners to protect species and habitat. In fact, the administration has launched several programs to protect hundreds of species and millions of acres, while still allowing landowners to use and manage their land.

President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore should be applauded for their efforts to preserve America's natural treasures. Bush is the one who deserves criticism. With only 3 percent of land in Texas owned by the public, Bush had to go all the way to Lake Tahoe to speak about conservation.

Bush is obviously trying to distance himself from his poor environmental record in Texas. However, one speech compiled of recycled ideas is not enough to show true environmental concern.

BETSY LOYLESS

Political director, League of Conservation Voters Washington, D.C.

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