1. Alex Whitaker, NGA Office of Federal Relations September 22, 2014 NASORLO Annual Conference

2. NGA Office of Federal Relations Serving Governors and their Staff  5 Standing Committees within OFR  Legislative Analysis  Representation in Washington Policy Development  Guided by consensus based principles  Bi-Partisan Committee Leadership  Annual and Winter Meetings 2

3. Natural Resources Committee Governor Matt Mead, Wyoming, Chair Governor, Edmund G. Brown, California, Vice Chair Governor Bill Walker, Alaska Governor Dan Malloy, Connecticut Governor Susana Martinez, New Mexico Governor Jack Dalrymple, North Dakota Governor Mary Fallin, Oklahoma Governor Lolo Moliga, American Samoa 3

4. Natural Resources Committee 4 The Natural Resources Committee has jurisdiction over issues related to agriculture, energy, the environment and natural resources. Members of the committee ensure that the governors’ views are represented in the shaping of federal policy.

5. Natural Resources Committee 5 NR-03: Natural Resources 3.1 Preamble The nation’s governors are concerned about the growing challenges facing both state and federal agencies in managing and protecting our natural resources. As the United States’ diverse population rapidly expands, governors nationwide are addressing the issue of how best to use America’s land while preserving community character and protecting environmental health. Governors are also interested in working with the federal government to identify effective responses to natural disasters, while recognizing that they are uniquely situated to understand and effectively respond to these events and leverage state resources in ways that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Effective Winter Meeting 2015 - Winter Meeting 2017

6. Natural Resources Committee 6 NR-03: Natural Resources 3.3 Land and Water Conservation Fund The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which is funded primarily by outer continental shelf mineral leasing receipts, allows federal and state governments to obtain and develop outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Current statutory language requires the federal program to receive a “minimum” of forty percent of LWCF annual appropriations. The law is silent on the amount of funds the state-side of the program should receive. Effective Winter Meeting 2013 - Winter Meeting 2015

7. Natural Resources Committee 7 NR-03: Natural Resources 3.3.1 Principles Federal revenues that are dedicated for the LWCF trust account should not be diverted for other program purposes. Governors support formula funding distribution methodology for distribution of state-side appropriations, as opposed to a federally- administered competitive grant program. Governors call on congress to provide long-term certainty and stability with LWCF state-side annual appropriations. Effective Winter Meeting 2015 - Winter Meeting 2017

8. NR Committee Action 8 NR committee letter Principles Committee briefings Hill Visits

9. Questions? Alex Whitaker Legislative Director, Natural Resources Committee NGA Office of Federal Relations awhitaker@nga.org (202) 624-3623 9