Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, my amendment states that nothing in this bill should diminish opportunities for hunting, fishing, grazing, or recreation on public lands. H.R. 4402 would elevate the interests of the mining industry above all others. This legislation contains language requiring that the priority of the Federal Government ``shall be to maximize the development of the mineral resources, while mitigating environmental impacts, so that more of the mineral resources can be brought to the marketplace.'' This legislation would put mineral extraction on public lands above all other uses, jeopardizing hunting, fishing, livestock grazing, outdoor recreation, and many other critical uses of our public lands. When open pits cover the American West, tourists to Arizona may have another Grand Canyon to visit. This time, instead of marveling at the geologic forces that over the courses of millions of years shaped one of the Nation's most awe-inspiring sites, they will be forced to ponder chains of manmade chasms left behind by unaccountable mining companies. My amendment will make sure that other important uses are not pushed aside, that all Americans continue to have access to their public lands. In fact earlier this week the Department of the Interior issued a report on the agency's economic contributions to the Nation. Many of these contributions come from uses other than mining. In 2011, there were over 435 million recreational visits to Interior-managed lands.…”