Susan Collins Endorsed by Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine Institute for Legislative Action
Senator Collins Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Record - Born and raised in Aroostook County, Senator Collins is a faithful voice for Maine’s sportsmen and works to protect the recreational spaces so important to sustaining Maine’s outdoor heritage and traditions.
Senator Collins is a longtime defender of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), our nation’s most successful conservation program, and she has been a leader in advancing federal legislation to protect and preserve natural spaces in Maine and across the country.
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins has defended against budget cuts to Maine’s National Parks and Monuments, National Wildlife Refuges, and its National Estuary. She uses her role as Chair to secure millions in funding for conservation and recreation in Maine.
Key Legislative Victories and Ongoing Efforts
Original cosponsor of the landmark Great American Outdoors Act, which provided permanent and full funding for the LWCF at $900 million annually. This funding has been used to open up key areas for hunting, fishing, and recreational access; support working forests and ranches; protect critical lands in national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests; and support state and local projects, from ball parks to recreation trails. The law incorporates the Restore Our Parks Act, which provided $9.5 billion for critical repair and maintenance needs at our national parks, including Acadia National Park.
Cosponsored the John D. Dingell Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which permanently reauthorized LWCF. The law includes provisions of the bipartisan Sportsmen's Act, such as establishing a national “Open Until Closed” policy; dedicating 3% of LWCF funds to additional public access for sportsmen; allowing funds to be used for shooting sports facilities; reauthorizing sportsmen’s wildlife conservation programs; and allowing for the permitting or leasing of public land for shooting and target ranges.
Cosponsored legislation enacted in 2022 that designated the York River as part of the National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic River System.
Cosponsored the Outdoors for All Act, which expands outdoor recreational opportunities in low-income communities. The law codified the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds new trails and green spaces.
Cosponsored the America the Beautiful Act, which continues the work of the Great American Outdoors Act by reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund to address maintenance backlogs in national parks and public lands.
Protecting Maine’s Natural Resources Against PFAS
Senator Collins has secured millions of dollars through her leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee to protect Mainers, animals, and the environment from these “forever chemicals” and help ensure that Maine is a leader in PFAS research.
Clean Water and Land. Since 2021, Senator Collins has secured $155 million for 82 drinking water and wastewater projects across the state of Maine. Many of these infrastructure upgrades have helped reduce PFAs contamination that affects our water, farms, wildlife, and natural resources.
Leading Research. Senator Collins secured $18 million to establish a PFAS Center of Excellence at the USDA New England Plant, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory located at the University of Maine. This Center is at the forefront of testing, public education, and outreach to communities affected by PFAS contamination. She has directed an additional $23 million to support the center and its critical research