Hoyer Statement on Public Lands Provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2015

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this evening on public lands provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2015, which passed the House today: 

“Today, I joined with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass the largest public lands and wilderness preservation bill since 2009.  In addition to setting aside nearly a quarter million acres of wilderness in the American West, it also expands more than a dozen of our national parks to protect more of this country’s natural splendor for future generations.  

“I was glad that Democrats and Republicans were able to reach a balanced agreement that both conserves the environment while allowing for economic development to take place in certain areas.  While it is not perfect legislation, it has the support of conservation groups like the Wilderness Society, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the National Wildlife Federation that recognize how important it is to move forward with the work of lands preservation.  I will continue to push for commonsense conservation policies that strike a balance between economic development and the need to protect America’s greatest natural treasures.”