Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4089) to protect and enhance opportunities for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting:
Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Chair, I rise today to express my support for the Sportsmen's Heritage Act, H.R. 4089. This bill would improve access to public lands for our hunters, fishers, and recreationists. By passing H.R. 4089, we will ensure that public lands will continue to be used and enjoyed by sportsmen across the country.
While many of us support H.R. 4089, I do have reservations about some of the bill's details. Specifically, titles I and II of this bill require new procedures for approved closures of public lands. Federal land management agencies currently have a process in place for closures that includes public notice, review, and approval at the local, state, or federal level depending on the individual situation. I believe these decisions are best made by local land managers who are uniquely familiar with the lands, the people, and the potential hazards. I am concerned that adding additional closure approval steps by people removed from the local areas will delay, or even discourage, closures that are based on sound science, and for the safety of the people and protection of the environment.
I also believe that hunting, fishing, and recreation are often compatible with the goals of public lands, including wilderness designation. However, there are some activities that are not. Oil and gas development, mining, logging, and motorized vehicle use outside of designated areas counter the goals of current wilderness management. In addition, these activities also run counter to the intent of H.R. 4089 by further restricting sportsmen's access. These restrictions on activities in Wilderness Areas should be explicitly stated in the bill and should not leave any room for misinterpretation.
Finally, I am discouraged to see the incorporation of an amendment to H.R. 4089 that would undermine the ability of the President to designate National Monuments under the Antiquities Act. This is a process that has protected some of our most precious national treasures and cultural heritage sites. I agree that local support should be weighed heavily when considering National Monument designations, but additional legislative road blocks are unnecessary.
I commend my colleagues in the House for supporting sportsmen's access to public lands, and I hope to see their enjoyment continue in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. We need to keep public lands open when feasible, while also allowing for closures in a timely manner if it is in the best interest of public safety or environmental protection. I look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to make sure these concerns are addressed as H.R. 4089 moves forward.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source