Wilderness bill out of time

A proposal to designate thousands of acres in Doña Ana County as federal wilderness is all but dead - at least for now - with time quickly expiring on the congressional session. U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said Tuesday he doesn't expect the bill to be heard in the short time remaining before the impending end of the 111th Congress. Supporters pledged they'll continue backing the measure next year - in spite of what are likely to be less-favorable conditions, with Republican Steve Pearce taking over the House district from Harry Teague. Jeff Steinborn, local director for the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, which has heavily promoted the legislation, said Tuesday the bill's likely fate was "a disappointing setback for our community." Critics of the bill were pleased Tuesday, said Frank DuBois, a former state agriculture secretary and member of the pro-ranching group People for Preserving Our Western Heritage. He cited a recent letter authored by the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, the Building Industry Association of Southern New Mexico and the Las Cruces Association of Realtors that urged Bingaman and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., to remove S.B. 1689 from consideration in the last days of the Congress. The groups have contended the wilderness legislation would negatively affect border security in the Potrillo Mountains area and flood control efforts, but have said they're not opposed to protecting lands from development in another way. "Given the huge amount of opposition and the controversy created, the bill deserved to die," DuBois said...more

That spokesman for PFPOWH sure is articulate.

Rumor has it he is also blessed with dashing good looks.

However, critics say he becomes far too exuberant after winning a fight.

Personally, I expect him to be magnanimous in victory.

I contacted the spokesman and he said he didn't kimo sabe exuberant or magnanimous, but true to the code of the west he was dedicating his Song Of The Day to the enviros. You can check out his soft and caring side by playing the song here.