For the first time in its fifty year history, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has lost its Congressional authorization.  As of October 1, 2015, the popular program has ceased collecting offshore oil fees which in turn pay for conservation work throughout the United States.  

Republicans and Democrats could not come to a last minute agreement on the Senate floor Tuesday night that would have extended the program’s authorization for an additional 60 days in order to give members of Congress enough time to work out a deal on some of the more politically controversial provisions.  Congressional supporters of the program will look toward “must pass” legislation this fall in order to pass a reauthorization.  Lawmakers have eyed the transportation bill and an energy bill that authorizes the sale of American crude oil overseas as potential legislative vehicles for LWCF reauthorization.