Congressman
John E. Peterson

Environment and Natural Resources

Our nation has been blessed with magnificent beauty and abundant natural resources, and no region has been endowed more bountifully than Pennsylvania's 5th district. I am privileged to serve on the House Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over national forests, parks and natural resource issues such as energy, land use and the environment. As a member of the Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, I am a strong advocate for sound forest management policies that will restore the health of our nation’s forests, including the Allegheny National Forest, and preserve them for responsible multiple use.

Federal bureaucracies too often forget that their actions have a direct impact on the livelihood of millions of Americans who live in rural communities. As an active member of the House Western Caucus, I play an active role in promoting common sense environmental and natural resource policies that include protecting private property owners, ensuring responsible access to public lands, increasing the federal government’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes to local communities, promoting science-based environmental policies and improving the overall quality of life in rural America.

It is important to protect our environment and preserve our natural resources while at the same time promoting a strong local economy and a sustainable way of life for those who live in our rural communities. Our ability to care for the environment and support preservation efforts depends on having a healthy local economy that will support the needs of our families and communities.

Environmental Links

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