SEEC Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Criticizes Unprecedented Attack on Responsible Public Land Management

Washington, D.C. – The Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Reps. Doris Matsui (CA), Don Beyer (VA), and Maxine Dexter (OR) released the following statement in response to the House passage of three Congressional Review Act resolutions that would inhibit long-term resource management planning for public lands in Montana (H.J.Res. 104), North Dakota (H.J.Res. 105), and Alaska (H.J.Res. 106), resulting in dire consequences for future land-use management here in the United States.  

“In an unprecedented move, Congressional Republicans just voted to overturn the Bureau of Land Management’s Resource Management Plans that determine how millions of acres of public lands in Montana, North Dakota, and Alaska will be managed over the next 20 years. These management plans are the product of years of scientific study, robust public input, Tribal consultation, and local community engagement. These plans sought to balance multiple uses and the many diverse stakeholders who use and depend on our public lands, ensuring continued access to outdoor recreation and providing for responsible energy development, while also protecting wildlife habitat, safeguarding drinking water sources, and preserving Tribal access and uses. But Congressional Republicans in Washington think they know better than the people who use these lands every day. By voting to overturn these management plans, Congressional Republicans are putting all these benefits at risk, silencing the communities who use and know our public lands best, to deliver yet another giveaway for Trump’s corporate polluter friends.

“Republicans continue to sow widespread chaos and confusion in our communities. This unprecedented attempt to repeal these Resource Management Plans has now opened the floodgates to attack any and all long-term comprehensive public land management plans across America.”