Andrea Joy Campbell: “as a strong supporter of American public lands and private property rights, I am concerned about the setting aside of…”

“as a strong supporter of American public lands and private property rights, I am concerned about the setting aside of public lands by the federal government for international agreements and oversight. The absence of congressional oversight in such programs as the United Nations Biosphere Reserve is of special concern to me. The United Nations has designated 47 "Biosphere Reserves" in the United States which contain a total area greater than the size of my home state of Colorado. That is why today I introduce companion legislation to H.R. 901, the American Land Sovereignty Protection Act, introduced by Representative Don Young, to preserve American sovereignty and halt the extension of the executive branch into congressional constitutional authority. We are facing a threat to our sovereignty by the creation of these land reserves in our public lands. I also believe the rights of private landowners must be protected if these international land designations are made. Even more disturbing is the fact the executive branch elected to be a party to this "Biosphere Reserve" program without the approval of Congress or the American people. The absence of congressional oversight in this area is a serious concern.”