FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 29, 1996
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- "By an overwhelming vote of 372 to 37, the House today voted to reauthorize the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)," said Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) today following the vote on a bipartisan Farm Bill amendment put together by Peterson and Representatives Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Bill Barrett (R-NE).
"This is a huge victory for conservation groups, farmers and hunters, and I appreciate all the hard work that was done by groups like Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the Sportsmen's Caucus and the National Wildlife Federation," Peterson said. "We had to fight a last minute challenge to this amendment by environmental lobbyists from the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society and other environmental groups, but luckily, Members looked at the facts before they voted.
"When the Farm Bill first came up in committee, it did not contain reauthorization of CRP. In fact, it had two very damaging provisions," Peterson said. "One provision would have placed a revolving door on CRP land, and another said there would be no new CRP enrollments in 1997. Through an amendment in committee, I was able to get these two provisions removed from the Farm Bill.
"Boehlert, Barrett and I worked together with several conservation groups to write this CRP amendment, and I commend everyone who worked so hard to get it included in the Farm Bill.
"The bipartisan amendment that passed the House today continues the CRP for seven years at its current 36 million acre level, and we anticipate that the CRP language will remain in the Farm Bill following conference," Peterson continued. "This amendment will continue the wildlife legacy of CRP and its benefits to farmers. In addition, a strong CRP provides critical environmental benefits to all Americans."