Emma Hardy: “Last Friday, the President signed away more than 700,000 acres of Lincoln and Nye Counties, as the Basin and Range…”

“Last Friday, the President signed away more than 700,000 acres of Lincoln and Nye Counties, as the Basin and Range National Monument in my district, locking these lands up from economic development the region depends on. This is unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to give a voice to what Nevada's argument is and what Nevada's argument is not. Some on the other side of the aisle wish to paint those who oppose the designation as enemies of our public lands, when nothing could be further from the truth. Southeastern rural Nevada is in my blood. As a fifth-generation son of farmers and ranchers from Mesquite, Nevada, I am directly descended from the very same mountain men and the settlers whose bravery and resolve blazed the trail for the founding of our great State and who are mentioned in the President's proclamation. I grew up to explore the rugged landscapes of Lincoln and Nye Counties, hunting, hiking, and camping in these one-of-a-kind surroundings. I love Nevada as much as the next Nevadan, and we refuse to be lectured by those who feel that they are first among equals in matters that concern our future. Our argument is not about whether or not to preserve our national treasures contained on our public lands. I wholeheartedly agree that we have a responsibility; we must protect what needs to be protected. It comes down to this: The Antiquities Act is antiquated.…”