Murphy Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Military Installation Security

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the Incentivizing Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Sales Act alongside Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

"The Department of Defense’s (DOD) Readiness and Environment Protection Integration (REPI) is essential to our national security and invaluable ecosystems," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D."Avoiding land use conflicts in areas used by our military is imperative to their ability to conduct critical training and maintain readiness. The Incentivizing Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Sales Act supports this successful initiative by incentivizing landowners to participate in this important program when considering the sale of property near military installations."

"Rising land costs are making it more difficult for the military and conservation partners to protect the land around bases,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta. “Our bipartisan bill would make it easier to preserve those critical buffers by waiving the capital gains tax for landowners who sell to conservation organizations for Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) projects.  By strengthening the REPI Program, we can ensure military installations remain mission-ready while safeguarding the surrounding environment.”

"For decades, the Readiness Environmental Protection Integration, or REPI, program has successfully facilitated partnerships to preserve landscapes for both conservation value and their contributions to national security," said Jennifer Morris, CEO of the Nature Conservancy. "These land protection projects help support the military community while also preserving off-base habitats for threatened and endangered species. As the demands of development increase and intensify amongst the remaining available landscapes around these installations, these REPI agreements will be a win for both conservation and national security."

Background
The Department of Defense’s (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program supports cost-sharing agreements between the military, government agencies, and conservation groups to prevent land conflicts, address environmental limits on military activities, and improve resilience to weather and environmental challenges.

The Incentivizing Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Sales Act excludes appreciated land value from federal capital gains tax for landowners who sell land or easements near military installations specifically for REPI purposes.

Senators Tedd Budd (NC) and Tim Kaine (VA) introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate.

View the bill text here.