Washington, D.C., Jul 25 -  

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce joined a large bipartisan majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives last night in approving H.R. 3817, the Valle Vidal Protection Act of 2005, by voice vote. Introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM), this legislation restricts 101,794 acres from being mined, patented, or sold by the federal government. This bill provides an exception for private property rights established as of the date of enactment.

“I was pleased to join my colleague Tom Udall in a bipartisan effort to protect one of our state’s great natural treasures,” Rep. Pearce said. This bill met one of the most important tests of good environmental legislation – common sense. I commend Congressman Udall for finding balance between environmental protection, community development, and respect for private property rights.”