Aaron sits down with Abby Tinsley, the Associate Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs for the National Wildlife Federation. They discuss the process of “reconciliation” how it works, what it will do, and what it means for hunting, angling, and conservation. They cover the bipartisan infrastructure package, why we need it, how it will help hunters and anglers, and how the infrastructure package relates to the reconciliation process. These are tough processes to digest but have huge implications for the lands and waters that support hunting and angling. The idea behind this podcast is to help the average person gain a basic understanding of the various developments and what will happen over the coming weeks and months. For a quick and inciteful look at your government in action, you won’t want to miss this one!
For more information on infrastructure investments and opportunities see this link: https://www.nwf.org/-/media/Documents/PDFs/Press-Releases/2021/02-24-21_Jobs-Restoration-and-Resilience-for-the-21st-Century
Testimony to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources by President and CEO of NWF, Collin O’Mara: https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/9D69DE42-63C7-40CE-8E7F-722A64498265
More on the bipartisan infrastructure package: https://nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/7-28-21-Bipartisan-Infrastructure-Framework
Nature based infrastructure and climate solutions: https://nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/7-29-21-Nature-Based-Solutions
Infrastructure Bill aiding the Great Lakes: https://nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2021/8-2-21-Bipartisan_Infrastructure_Adds_$1_Billion_for_Great_Lakes_Restoration
Show Notes:
2:25 - Background on podcast guest, Abby Tinsley.
3:10 - What have Aaron and Abby been doing outside recently? Beaches, kayaking, gearing up for hunting season, canning veggies and backpacking.
5:30 - "Reconciliation 101"
9:00 - What happened with the recent fire drill/oversight in the reconciliation bill? People wanted this bill to be 10 trillion, then 6 trillion and now 3.5 trillion dollars... People forgot that lands and water and rural areas need funding.
11:45 - What exactly was that "Pre-Money Scramble" when there wasn't any funding in there for the BLM? The sausage making!
13:47 - Congress is going to return after congressional recess & then what happens?
17:23 - How do you prepare and package the bills? What gets to be a part of the pie?
19:15 - A deeper look at the 3.5 trillion dollars. How is it paid for and when is this funding spread out?
21:00 - A message from our partner podcast, Artemis Sportswomen!
23:00 - How does infrastructure and reconciliation interface and a few examples on what natural infrastructure entails.
25:35 - Wildlife crossings are an example of the types of projects that could receive funding. Why are these real life projects important?
28:13 - How does infrastructure and reconciliation have to do with one another?
31:10 - What's next on the Hill?
33:00 - When do we expect all of this to start being implemented?
34:18 - What is the procedure for the next steps in terms of the funding getting to each state and programs?
38:54 - Unpacking the use of the funding (old bridges, old schools).
42:24 - Cool infrastructure opportunities and the hunting and fishing connection.
44:10 - Closing statements on infrastructure and reconciliation from Abby Tinsley. There is still time to make it look the way you want it to look so TELL YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS how important you think it is to balance the needs across states. It's time to go to bat and communicate with your member of congress!
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