Action Alert: Continue the Conservation Easement Incentive

Image copyright of Anthony Hathaway

On July 16th or 17th, U.S. Congressional House leadership is scheduled to vote on a bill to permanently enact several charitable tax incentives, including H.R. 2807, the Conservation Easement Incentive Act.

This is the first time that the bill's champions have successfully rallied bipartisan support and secured a vote on the House floor. But it is important that we work together to ensure its passage.

Don't waste this opportunity to urge your support for this critical land protection incentive legislation!

The Conservation Easement Incentive Act will make an existing easement incentive program permanent, significantly advancing national conservation efforts. The limited tax deduction is an attractive way for landowners to place their prized assets in protected conservation easements. Easements uphold the landowner's legacy and allow for the land to be used for farming, grazing, hunting and recreation while keeping it safe from future development. 

Since the law's original passage in 2006, an estimated one million acres have been conserved per year via easements managed by community-based land trusts.

Please call your U.S. House Representative to urge him or her to vote “yes” on H.R. 2807, the Conservation Easement Incentive Act. 

You can reach your representative by calling the House switchboard at 202-225-3121. Or, enter your zip code here > to find your Congressmember.

Thank you for speaking up and ensuring our rural and forested lands remain vibrant and verdant forever!
 

Background:

In 2006, the U.S. Congress scored a great victory for land preservation when it approved a valuable expansion of the federal tax incentive for conservation easement donations. The law raised the maximum deduction that a donor could take and the number of years for which they could take deductions relating to a donation of a conservation easement. Further, it allowed qualified farmers and ranchers to deduct more of their adjusted gross income.

If passed, H.R. 2807, the Conservation Easement Incentive Act, will permanently continue the incentive program, strengthening private land conservation efforts nationwide.

Other Ways to Take Action

Visit our Take Action > page to learn other ways you can help us advance local clean water efforts.