Agriculture
Agriculture, including the wide variety of industries involved in farm inputs and outputs, constitutes one of the largest sectors of the U.S. economy. The agriculture industry is notable for maintaining a consistent positive balance of trade. Governors believe this position should be enhanced to enable producers to take advantage of new international market opportunities in light of new trade agreements. Environmental stewardship and rural development also should be prominent in farm policy, with an increased emphasis on coordinating the myriad federal programs and requirements. Urbanization of the country has led to misunderstandings and misperceptions about farming and agriculture. Agricultural policy must emphasize the importance of agriculture-supporting consumer education and outreach programs and rebuild the national understanding of the multiple benefits a strong agricultural economy provides to the entire nation. Governors recommend that Congress establish pilot programs to explore innovative policy options for future consideration. Congress also must afford states greater flexibility and an increased role in the allocation of federal grant monies to accommodate state priorities. This new strengthened state-federal partnership is critical to more efficient and effective delivery of programs and will be crucial to a thriving farm economy. Land Management
Governors are concerned about the growing challenges facing both state and federal agencies in managing and protecting lands within their borders. As the United State's diverse population rapidly expands, governors across the country are addressing the issue of how best to use America's land while preserving community character and protecting environmental health. Governors are aware that the challenges facing natural resource managers vary across states and regions, but all require attention and proper support. States play an increasingly important role in fostering smart, long-term planning decisions with federal and local governments. In some cases, land management decisions and various programmatic requirements have stimulated and perpetuated patterns of growth that are counter to long-term sustainability. Governors urge the federal government to support state efforts to develop and implement long-term, sustainable land use initiatives. The nation's governors also recognize that critical issues face our national forests and public lands, including the declining health of our forests, management costs, the potential for catastrophic fire, the economic health of communities surrounded by public land and questions about the appropriate level of resource conservation. Costs to the federal government for the management of unconsolidated public lands can be high, often exceeding any public benefit that may be realized. In many areas, fragmented land ownership patterns lead to inefficient management of both public and nonpublic lands. Isolated federal lands can be costly to manage and provide little benefit to the public, while nonfederal inholdings located within national parks, forests and monuments can detract from the appropriate use and management of those special areas. The consolidation of land holdings through voluntary exchanges, acquisitions and disposals in areas where fragmented ownership patterns create management inefficiencies should be encouraged. Congress and the Administration should pursue meaningful land exchange reform to facilitate land tenure adjustments, which will allow both states and the federal government the opportunity to accomplish their respective land management objectives. Recreation
Governors believe that participation in outdoor recreation provides important physical, mental and social benefits to the American public, and that federal, state and local government interests and the private sector share responsibility for providing diverse and high-quality opportunities for such recreation. Continuing growth in the demand for outdoor recreation opportunities has brought overcrowding to some areas, while budgetary constraints, environmental pollution and conversion of open spaces to other uses has further added to the challenges facing the nation. The expansion, development and management of recreational space and facilities are an important national challenge that can contribute to both quality of life and the economy. The federal government must modify recreation efforts to include a greater emphasis on state and local decision-making and on partnerships than currently exist, particularly with the private sector. The system also must be reinvented to enhance program efficiencies and effective program administration. Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Abandoned mines pose safety hazards to the public and are responsible for threats to water quality. Often a responsible party for an abandoned mine is not identifiable. Reclamation of abandoned mines is hampered by the lack of adequate funding, concerns about liability, and inadequate resources for state reclamation programs. Governors urge Congress to provide full support for mine reclamation activities under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program and Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Official NGA Policy Committee Letters -
NGA Letter Regarding the Public Land Communities Transition Assistance Act of 2007
December 3, 2007 letter (from Governor Manchin and Governor Palin) to Senate Majority Leader Reid, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, House Speaker Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Boehner urging Congress to pass the Public Land Communities Transition Assistance Act of 2007 (H.R. 3058). -
NGA Letter Regarding the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act
September 19, 2006 letter (from Governor Huntsman and Governor Richardson) to the House and Senate leadership requesting reauthorization this Congress of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (P.L. 106-393) to fund schools, roads, forest improvement projects, and other essential services in rural counties that host our national forests. -
NGA Letter on Appropriations Including the Stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
May 26, 2005 letter (from Governor Murkowski and Governor Freudenthal) to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies Chairman Burns and Ranking Member Dorgan urging adequate funding of the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF), Stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and State Wildlife and Endangered Species Grant Programs for Fiscal Year 2006. |
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