The 363-62 vote in the House followed a 92-8 vote ion the Senate two weeks ago to protect some 2.5 million acres in Utah, California, Oregon, New Mexico and Washington. The bill also permanently re-authorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides funds for public land maintenance from royalties paid by offshore drilling. The LWCF had expired in Sep. when Congress for the first time failed to reauthorize it as part of the budget process but it will no longer need future approvals. It is expected to be signed ... Log in to view full article.