I have long said that I do not believe that we have to choose between a healthy forest and a healthy economy.

I am hoping that you are going to be able to provide us a little bit more of a plan.

If we want to be competitive in the global market, a producer and not just an importer, we cannot afford for it to take 10 years to permit a mine on our public lands.

I hope that we can even find greater areas of how we can be working together to grow Alaska's role in our nation's economy or energy or mineral security, while also cherishing and protecting our lands, our people, and our culture.

I had mentioned in my last question there, Chief, the Southeast Alaska Sustainable Strategy, $25 million spent so far and, it is always described as quote, 'An initial investment'.

When I talk to communities in my state, they very much want to take on PFAS, but they are concerned about national regulations, and how they could, potentially, amount to new unfunded mandates.

I think it has to be done at whatever expense necessary.

I am going to continue to be a very zealous advocate for our Alaska Native communities, and in righting this.

I want us to be looking at how we can legislate, because we know that that will be the quicker route.

How do you respond, though, to just the reality that the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) creates a rural priority for subsistence based on where one lives.

I believe the Agency is engaging in regulatory overreach with WOTUS, which the Senate has expressed its disapproval on.

I hope that you and your team will be able to explore ways in which CDS projects can be awarded faster.

Well, I really appreciate you saying that, because that is what folks are relying on.

Thank you Mr. Chairman. Appreciate the opportunity to be back at work here on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; and to kick off our hearings with the Chief of the Forest Service.

I want to also express support for Senator Baldwin's bill that she is working on, my office is working with her on.

So, let's dig into that, and maybe for the record, if you could provide, or other witnesses here, it is a great panel, that FAA clunkiness, right.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The vast, vast majority of the Alaska Native people were supportive. The national media hated to write that story.