Farmers and ranchers and foresters face, I think, dire threats from global warming.

Congress needs to address the concerns of these local communities and protect these iconic landscapes.

the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009, comes up for consideration.

The Bingaman bill takes a step forward by applying a standard to all federal lands that land managers must prevent 'unnecessary or undue degradation' resulting from mining.

We urge the Committee to significantly reform the 1872 Mining Law to stop the Rosemont and other ill conceived and inappropriate mine proposals.

We urge the committee to pass comprehensive mining reform.

Both S. 796 and S. 140 introduced by Senator Feinstein will create economic opportunities for rural communities throughout the United States.

Provisions in the bills will increase our Nation's dependence on foreign minerals-an outcome that will weaken our defense.

In this age of increasing water scarcity why in the world would Congress agree to open a spigot of polluted water?

That creates a distrust in what the Federal Government is doing with respect to the stewardship and ownership of the public lands that we have.

S. 796 adds regulatory uncertainty that will undermine U.S. competitiveness and threatens thousands of high-paying mining jobs.

The committee is conducting a hearing today on 2 bills, S. 796 and S. 140 which will reform the antiquated Mining Law of 1872.

NMA cannot support S. 796, the 'Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2009' or S. 140 the 'Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act of 2009' as currently written for two reasons.

America's families, communities and businesses cannot sustain higher energy costs, additional job losses and further weakening of our economy during these difficult times.

I believe that it is time for us to change the way in which the public lands are patented.

Mining companies invest huge resources in their mining operations. They need to have the security of tenure.

Mexico is the home to NASA's White Sands Test Facility, which for many years has supported the Space Shuttle programs.

I believe the Rail Runner is an example of a forward-thinking transportation investment that will provide benefits to the state for years to come.