Wayne Allard: “I am involved because farmers and ranchers all over the country are being impacted by their land values since the…”

“I am involved because farmers and ranchers all over the country are being impacted by their land values since the Supreme Court's ruling in Kelo. As was stated by the Farm Bureau, farmers and ranchers have been particularly vulnerable to States or local municipalities taking their land for private economic uses, open space or other purposes. Farmlands in several States have already been taken for open space purposes. The Farm Bureau goes on to say the amendment would strongly discourage the exercise of eminent domain for open space purposes. I have a strong record of supporting limitations on eminent domain. I have to rise on behalf of my farmers and ranchers in Colorado in support of Senator Craig's amendment. This amendment would protect farmland and ranchland throughout this great Nation from land condemnation for use as open space. I wish to be clear at the outset that this amendment would not affect uses of eminent domain that have been found to be justified. There are a few legitimate uses for eminent domain powers. Necessary use of eminent domain for items such as utility corridors or military and national security needs would not be affected.”