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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Congress Takes Up Diversion of Offshore Oil Royalties from Conservation Fund

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Wednesday, June 30, 2010   

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Workers in the Gulf of Mexico continue their efforts to divert the flow of oil from the blown-out well in the Gulf while Congress today is dealing with diversion of a different kind: Offshore oil royalties that are supposed to go to conservation projects, but never get there.

Former Nevada Bureau of Land Management regional manager Gene Kolkman says last year was typical for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It was originally slated to get $900 million, but Congress only allocated $180 million. Kolkman says that shortchanged needed funding for national parks, wildlife refuges and community parks in Nevada.

"It's been underfunded back as far as I can remember, and it's almost to the point of being a joke; and the fact that it comes from outer continental shelf drilling and companies like British Petroleum - it just doesn't make sense to me that this program wouldn't be fully funded."

The House Natural Resources Committee today takes up a bill that calls for full funding of the conservation fund. A similar measure comes up on the Senate side. Rep. Dina Titus called the fund "a priority for Nevada that has helped develop outdoor recreation and strengthen our communities."

A Zogby poll released this week finds that 73 percent of Nevadans agree that some of the money from offshore drilling fees should be used to conserve natural areas.

Pete Dronkers, state coordinator with Environment Nevada and an avid climber, says popular spots like Red Rock Canyon need reliable sources of conservation funding.

"I climb there all the time - almost every weekend when it's not super hot, I'm there. I just want to make sure that Red Rock is going to be taken care of for the long term, make sure it has the money it needs to take care of itself. This is a very important way to do that."

Kolkman says Nevada has been making up for the yearly shortfall in conservation funding by using money raised by sales of public lands, but the Silver State can't count on that much longer.

"That's dried up. Las Vegas isn't selling lands any more - that account is dwindling as time goes on. We're going to be in the same boat as every other state, needing that Land and Water Conservation Fund."

The Bills are S 3516 and HR 3534; hearings begin in the Senate Natural Resources Committee at 9:30 a.m. and in the House Natural Resources Committee at 10 a.m. (both Eastern Time).





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