Environment
Our nation's pristine wilderness areas contribute vitally to economic development though recreational tourism that includes fishing, hiking and hunting.
The Obama Administration is allowing the public and local communities to have a strong voice in how we manage these lands for our children, grandchildren and future generations. In addition, wilderness areas provide ecosystem benefits such as protecting watersheds, serving as critical habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, improving air quality and maintaining biological diversity.
Minnesotans value our public lands and understand the need to restore the consensus that historically guided wilderness designations in the United States. As a member of the Interior Environment Appropriations Subcommittee,which has jurisdiction over our nation's wilderness and public lands, I will fight Republican efforts to overturn the Obama Administration's decision to restore wise stewardship over these national treasures.