Will Parks Receive Full Maintenance Funding From GAOA?
Tate Watkins, Jack SmithAnother drop in energy revenues could threaten park maintenance funding.
Research Assistant
Jack Smith supports PERC’s publications team as a research assistant, writing original material, compiling data, and editing publications. Jack came to PERC from New York, where Adirondack lakes and broadleaf forests first introduced him to the charm of conservation. In college, Jack became interested in how market-based policies can improve the environment—an interest that culminated in a senior thesis that investigated carbon offset markets. While in college, he also studied under an expert woodturner and fell in love with the traditional craft.
In 2019, Jack graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy. After a few months working at a nature center in his hometown, he found PERC and made the long drive west to Bozeman. Today, Jack is thrilled to call Montana home and to work toward a better future for people and wildlife. He spends his spare time skiing, rock climbing, and carving wood.
Hight-resolution photo Action photo
Another drop in energy revenues could threaten park maintenance funding.
If Democrats want to unshackle outdoor recreation programs from fossil fuel money, then it’s time to consider alternatives.
Recent legislation will help tackle long-overdue maintenance on public lands. It also reveals underlying issues that demand creative solutions.
Federal oil and gas revenues have generated funding for the great outdoors for decades, but the model warrants reconsideration.
Timber harvesting can reduce catastrophic wildfire risk and provide a stream of sustainable material for green construction.
Low oil prices may hamstring the legislation’s ability to restore our public lands.