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U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows Takes Business Approach To Conservation With ACE, Capital Gains Easement Acts

July 17, 2013. Representative Mark Meadows (NC-11) released the following statement after introducing a conservation legislation package today that includes the American Conservation Empowerment (ACE) Act of 2013 and the Capital Gains Easement Act of 2013.

Meadows
Meadows

The ACE Act would make federal tax credits for conservation easement donations transferable, allowing landowners to sell their tax deductions.  This bill is designed to provide tax relief for low to middle-income landowners by allowing them to take advantage of conservation tax deductions regardless of income level.  In conjunction, the Capital Gains Easement Act would eliminate all capital gains taxes on conservation easements.

“For too long, we have viewed conservation along partisan lines,” Meadows said.  “Instead of using environmental concerns as a vehicle to increase regulations, this legislation takes a business approach by providing incentives and promoting good stewardship of our forests, wetlands, and recreational areas.  Not only would the ACE Act level the playing field for all landowners to take advantage of conservation easement credits, but it would also dramatically accelerate land conservation and pave the way for vast, privately-led preservation.”