Big news day

I come to you today with three major updates on items of great consequence to the Land Trust Alliance and the land conservation community.

First and foremost, you should know the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil complaint against promoters of an allegedly abusive conservation easement syndication tax scheme. According to the complaint, the 96 transactions at issue resulted in over $2 billion in claimed federal tax deductions. This is a major development in the battle against abusive tax shelters, but our work is not done. We will continue to advocate for additional governmental action, including passage of the bipartisan Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act in the next Congress. Read more here.

Second, I am happy to report the President made good today on his promise to sign the 2018 Farm Bill. This is a great moment for our community because this Farm Bill reflects so many of our community’s highest priorities, including adding $200 million annually in funding for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. The program’s new budget of $450 million annually will facilitate more conservation that benefits us, our children and our nation. Read more here.

Lastly, I regretfully share with you that the U.S. Senate fell short last night in its attempt to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund this year. LWCF has rightly drawn bipartisan support for the great good it does for our communities, our environment and our economy. I am disheartened that this bill could not be reauthorized in the waning hours of this Congress. But there are those in Congress who fought to the very end and they have my deepest appreciation. Read more here.

You will hear more from the Alliance on each of these priority issues after the holidays. For now, though, please join us in taking time to be with family and friends. For if today was any indication, our 2019 will indeed be busy and productive.

Andrew Bowman is president of the Land Trust Alliance.