Growing support for H.R. 4459

Getting legislation passed on Capitol Hill is no easy task. It takes many people — all working together — to build momentum for even the simplest bills.

That's why I want to take a moment today to salute The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, The Trust for Public Land and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Each of these esteemed organizations have joined the effort to pass the proposed Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act.

In a letter delivered today to bill cosponsors U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson of California, a Democrat, and Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, a Republican, the land conservation community thanked our allies in Congress for introducing H.R. 4459, the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act. The legislation would continue to reward honest philanthropy while shutting down abuse. You can learn more about H.R. 4459 here.

This bill is so important — and so sensible — that we're quickly seeing support for it grow. At a time when bipartisan issues seem few and far between on Capitol Hill, it's gratifying to see such support for the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act. And support is exactly what today's letter conveyed.

"Collectively, our organizations are ready to stand with you in advocating for passage of this bill," says the letter. "We and the millions of members we represent look forward to working with you to pass H.R. 4459, bolstering land conservation heroes and taxpayers across America."

You can read the letter in full here.

It is time for all Americans who care about land conservation to stand with these champions and advocate aggressively for passage of the Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act.

Protect land conservation. Protect taxpayers. Put an end to abusive deals. Contact your congressional delegation and urge them to support — or even cosponsor — H.R. 4459.

Andrew Bowman is president of the Land Trust Alliance.