Rep. Obernolte, Western Caucus Members Affirm Commitment to Conservation, Demand Answers on "30 by 30' Initiative

Press Release

Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) joined Chairmen Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) of the Congressional & Senate Western Caucuses, 12 Senate Members and 50 House Members in sending a letter to President Biden asking important clarifying questions about the Biden Administration's Executive Order establishing a directive to put restrictions on at least 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30 by 30).

Western Caucus Members outlined their concern that Western states would be disproportionately impacted by the 30 by 30 Initiative and requested President Biden provide details about how he plans accomplish this goal without harming the industries, economies, and ways of life in Western and rural communities.

"The West is already paving the way on conservation," wrote the lawmakers. "Stewardship of our lands is embedded in our Western values. Sustainable, healthy land is the lifeblood of our rural communities and our outdoor heritage and rural economies thrive when our lands are properly managed. While the Administration has implied that multiple-use is not contrary to conservation, recent activities that attack key industries suggests otherwise."

The federal government manages 640 million acres of land, over 90% of which is west of the Mississippi River. The Western Caucus supports policies to promote active land management, multiple-use, locally-led conservation efforts, and public land access that benefits local, rural communities and strengthens economic development throughout rural America.

They continued, "Conservation remains a top priority for Western congressional members, and our constituents' lives and livelihoods rely upon a healthy, actively-managed landscape. However, the 30 by 30 initiative displays a dangerous thoughtlessness and far too many of our questions have been left unanswered."

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