News From the
Committee on Small Business
Nydia M. Velázquez, Chairwoman

CONTACT: Press Office

Committee Holds Earth Day Hearing on Maintaining

Public Lands for Hunting, Fishing, Ranching and Small Businesses

Click here to view a list of witnesses and testimony.

Click here to view video highlights of the hearing.     

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With Earth Day just around the corner, the House Committee on Small Business today examined ways to maintain public lands for hunting, fishing, ranching and other small business uses.  In 2006, more than 87 million Americans participated in wildlife related recreation—spending more than $122 billion.  Small businesses are principal drivers of this important sector of the economy.  At today’s forum, Members of Congress heard from hunting and fishing outfitters and a rancher, who said the Bush Administration’s policies are damaging public lands beyond repair and forcing many ranches and small firms out of business. 

“This nation’s public lands belong to every tax-payer.  That includes the ranchers and entrepreneurs in the outdoor industry who depend on them to grow our economy.  It is essential federal policy take this into account,” said Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez.

There are 34 million hunters and anglers in the United States.  In 2006 they contributed nearly $77 billion to the U.S. economy.

“Small businesses are a major component of life in rural America.  In many instances, they are the only source of local employment.  As important as they are to our nation as a whole, entrepreneurs are even more crucial to these communities,” said Chairwoman Velázquez . 

Rural small business owners who graze livestock or are in the outdoor industry have seen the number of drilling permits approved by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) quadruple since 1999.  Each new drilling site brings a network of roads, pipelines and waste pits to lands controlled by the BLM.  Irresponsible management of these projects results in pollution, deforestation and a segmenting of fish and game habitats.  That, in turn, undermines the ability of ranchers and small business dependent on tourism to make a living.  Witnesses at the hearing noted they were not opposed to commercial drilling, but that the BLM was not enforcing policies specifically developed to ensure responsible use of the land.

“There are ways to foster economic growth responsibly. That’s what rural small businesses support, and what the BLM is supposed to ensure.”  said Chairwoman Velázquez . “Our public lands are not just beautiful, they are major source of economic strength.  We should protect them as such.”

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