Barbara Boxer: “this is a great day for California. After years of hard work by my colleagues, Senator Feinstein and Congressman Mike…”

“this is a great day for California. After years of hard work by my colleagues, Senator Feinstein and Congressman Mike Thompson and I, the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act passed the Congress today. It now goes to the President's desk for his signature. I want to thank my colleague, Senator Feinstein, and Congressman Mike Thompson for all of their great work on this bill. Without their tireless support, we would not have gotten to this point. Anyone who has ever visited California or been fortunate enough to live there is keenly aware of the State's natural beauty indeed, more than most States, California's wild beauty--is an essential part of its identity. California's natural beauty and way of life has enticed millions to come and live there but that very enticement is now threatened by exponential growth--35,900,000 people live in my State, according to the 2004 U.S. Census estimate, and that figure is growing by leaps and bounds daily. That is why so many Californians have come together to support this bill and protect some of the last great natural places in the State.”