Hr 2016

[psfpilot]

A little cross-post from UFWDA's website.

26 Million Acres in Jeopardy HR 2016 Up For Vote This Week

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Specifically, HR 2016 will:

1. Codify by statute the NLCS, adding an additional layer of bureaucracy to traditionally multi-use BLM lands in the restrictive fashion of the National Park Service.

2. Elevates “protecting the values for which the components of the system were designated,” above existing management requirements, placing a higher value on “landscape preservation” than what the existing law provides.

3. Elevates the purposes of “conserve, protect, restore” above other purposes.

4. Management requirements set forth in the bill are vague, opening an invitation for environmental groups to unduly influence how the lands will be managed.

5. Authorizes land managers to trump access rights and productive uses if viewed to conflict with “protecting the values” for which the land was designated.

6. Contains no provision where local governments can raise and address local impacts.

The Bush administration has shown no interest in protecting the multiple-use status of the 26 million acres either, as Interior Secretary Kempthorne’s staff was sent to testify in favor of the measure. The Senate has already passed the companion bill out of committee, where it is also waiting for a floor vote."
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Per thomas.loc.gov, it appears that it has passed the full House and is now sitting on the calendar for consideration by the full Senate.

I am sending an email to each of my Senators now to oppose the codification of Bruce Babbitt's 2000 policies. If it becomes law, it will be difficult to reverse course and put the genie back in the bottle. Recreational land lost now is recreational land lost forever.