How offshore oil could fuel urban parks if a new bill passes – 89.3 KPCC

File: The Zev Yaroslavsky L.A. River Greenway Trail. Martin Zamora/L.A. County Board of Supervisors

A proposal to use funds drawn from offshore oil and gas leases to help build urban parks is the first bill introduced by Southern California's newly-elected U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragn, who represents the 44th District.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Act, introduced late last month,aims to increase the number of green spaces in cities in order to improve the lives overall of the community, primarily in underserved communities, Barragn said during a press conference Monday.

The percentage of Americans living in urban areas has climbed to more than 80 percent, according to data from the United Nations. Among those urban populations, low-income and minority communities are less likely to live near green spaces, which provide health benefits to people who can access them.

The proposed legislation would legally secure funding for a National Park Service program that was originally funded by Congress in 2014.

Oil and gas companies lease portions of the ocean owned by the federal government, and under a 2006 law the government is required to set aside a portion of those funds to be used for various purposes. If the bill passes, 20 percent of that money would go toward funding projects under the Park Services program.

Barragn said she wanted to take this existing source of revenue and try to put it into some good through the program.Barragns told KPCC she has always been someone thats been trying to preserve open spaces.

States, cities, counties and tribes would be able to apply for grants under the program, which they would have to match in funds. Urban projects that engage and empower underserved communities and provide opportunities for youth employment, among other qualifications, would be given priority.

Barragn cited the San Pedro waterfront development project, the L.A. River Revitalization project and Wilmingtons JC Sports Field Complex as initiatives that might be eligible for funding. I think this is just the start of possibilities of what we can use it for, Barragn said.

The bill is still in its beginning stages it was moved to subcommittee review on June 27. However, Barragn is hopeful the bill will make it to a vote. President Donald Trump has been working to reshape federal environmental regulations since he took office, including proposing dramatic cuts to funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and rolling back several Obama-era policies, but Barragn's bill has received bipartisan support in the House.

Barragn said she was able to get Republican co-sponsors for the bill because it proposes drawing funding from an existing revenue source that wouldnt require taxpayer support. Barragn said she believes this legislation was a great way to bring people together while working to protect the environment in the coming years.

This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. Open space and parks really is something for everybody, Barragn said. We havent had any vocal critics on the bill yet.

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How offshore oil could fuel urban parks if a new bill passes - 89.3 KPCC