ell, and sometimes not to use them at all. It is our responsibility as citizens, but more than that it is our calling as stewards of the earth.” “We have a national consensus,” Bush continued “but problems arise when leaders reject partnership, and rely solely on the power of Washington on regulations, policies, and dictation from afar. The federal government and the states, local communities, and private land owners must respect and work with one another to preserve our national heritage, to promote flexibility, decentralization and positive incentives to involve more Americans in the responsibility of conservation” (Lazaroff). Bush also proposed that fifty percent of the Land and Water Conservation Fund be given to state and local conservation efforts each year. This fund uses the royalties of offshore oil and gas exploration to fund experimental projects. Although the fund is authorized for funding at 900 million a year, less than half of those funds have been appropriated by congress in recent years. Bush again emphasizes responsibility in the private sector by introducing a landowner incentive program where states would benefit from fifty million dollars in matching grants to help private land owners protect rare species while engaging in traditional land management practices. A ten million dollar private Stewardship Grant program would provide funding for private conservation initiatives. Bush credits these private efforts in helping to save the Aplormado Falcon native to south Texas. Finally, Bush proposed to do away with the estate tax so it would be easier for private landowners to pass on their land to future generations. On the issue of global warming Bush noted that the average temperatures “have increased slightly during this century, “ but said, “both the causes and the impact of this slight warming are uncertain.” His administration would support market-b...
