Samuel Nunn: “I am pleased to be cosponsor of S. 21, the California Desert Protection Act. I congratulate Senator Feinstein for…”

“I am pleased to be cosponsor of S. 21, the California Desert Protection Act. I congratulate Senator Feinstein for addressing and resolving the many issues that have been associated with protecting the California Desert. It has been a pleasure working with the Senator from California on this bill. This bill designates approximately 4 million acres of wilderness; adds 3 million acres of national park lands; designates 4 million acres of national park wilderness; adds 20,500 acres to an existing California park; and establishes a 2,040-acre Desert Lily Sanctuary. Several years ago, when this legislation was first introduced, by former Senator Cranston, the Department of Defense and the Armed Services Committee were concerned that the creation of new park and wilderness land might impact future expansion of military training areas, or interfere with existing testing and training activities, particularly those activities involving use of the air space above the desert. Last year Senator Cranston and the members of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources began a discussion to address these concerns. Senator Feinstein continued this discussion and resolved the concerns of the Defense Department and the military services. The training and testing lands of the southern California Desert are a crucial component of maintaining readiness.”