Liberty Matters Action Alert

July 13, 2004

S. 2543 - the National Heritage Partnership Act

Committee Vote Wednesday

The National Heritage Partnership Heritage Act, S. 2543, is scheduled to be voted upon, tomorrow, Wednesday, July 14, in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Authored by Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY), S. 2543 provides the following:

• A federal land grab scheme to preserve "natural, historic, cultural, educational, scenic, or recreational resources" that are "nationally significant to the heritage of the United States." Translated, that means every square inch of American soil;

• Funnels millions of taxpayer dollars into the coffers of anti-growth special interest groups and federal land use agencies to control private property use;

• Does not require landowner notification prior to designation of a National Heritage Area, notification that would allow landowners the opportunity to protest the designation;

• $15 million a year for 15 years to identify and acquire property suitable for National Heritage Areas.