H.R. 2016 - NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION SYSTEM ACT

The Natural Resources Committee held a markup session on this bill today.

Congressman Steve Pearce, R-NM, offered three amendments during the session.

The grazing amendment was as follows:

At the end of section 4, add the following new sentence: “Specifically, inclusion in the National Landscape Conservation System shall not affect current grazing rights or operations.”

The PILT amendment was as follows

At the end of section 4, add the following new sentence:

“No funds may be expended in any fiscal year for the National Landscape Conservation System until the Bureau of Land Management Payment in Lieu of Taxes program is fully funded at authorized levels for that fiscal year.”


The Wind and Solar Amendment was as follows:

At the end of section 4, add the following new sentence:

“Specifically, inclusion in the National Landscape Conservation System shall not affect eligibility for wind and solar energy development.”

All three amendments failed and the bill was favorably reported out of committee by a roll call vote of 23 yeas and 13 nays.

This legislation was proposed and supported by the Bush Administration. For years the BLM has been jealous of the Forest Service and other land management agencies. This is BLM's attempt to dump the "Bureau of Livestock and Mining" nickname and get on an equal footing with the other land management agencies when it comes to appropriations. This is about BLM's ego and spending more tax dollars. One has to wonder why the Bush Administration would take something that was done administratively under President Clinton and ask Congress to make it permanent by legislative designation. The environmental community endorsed this legislation and you don't have to wonder why.

Below is the press statement released by Congressman Pearce's campaign.

Pearce Fights Against Law Threatening Private Property Rights

MARCH 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: BRIAN PHILLIPS
202.577.1303
brian@peopleforpearce.com

WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, Congressman Steve Pearce fought to protect New Mexico's private property rights by attempting to amend the National Landscape Conservation System Act - a poor piece of legislation that significanly damages the New Mexico economy. The Pearce amendments would protect traditional uses of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, such as grazing. Ranching, an important part of the New mexico economy, is put at great risk under this bill. Two additional amendments sponsored by Pearce would protect the ability to develop renewable sources of energy and ensure that local governments received proper PILT payments.

Earlier this week, Pearce called on his New Mexico House colleagues to explain why they support the National Landscape Conservation System Act which will punish New mexico's economy. Both Rep. Tom Udall and Rep. Heather Wilson are cosponsors of the bill.

After the hearings, Pearce released the following comments:

"This bill causes significant damage to the economies of western states. It threatens private property rights and puts at risk the ranching community in New Mexico. In addition, it threatens traditional uses of public lands such as camping, hunting and fishing.

"Rep. Udall and Rep. Wilson have cosponsored this harmful legislation and they should explain that decision to the people of New Mexico. My amendments sought to head off the damage it will ultimately do to our state. Though we were unsuccessful today, I will continue to press for the interests of New Mexico even if I am the only one willing to stand up for them."