Wayne Allard: “According to the Army, the Salazar amendment is too restrictive. It prevents them from doing anything on Pinon Canyon to…”

“According to the Army, the Salazar amendment is too restrictive. It prevents them from doing anything on Pinon Canyon to resolve even their differences with the farmers and ranchers, including photocopying handouts or maps to the citizens with questions, holding community meetings to find common ground, and even doing a required environmental impact statement. Senator Salazar and I have offered amendments to last year's and this year's Defense authorization bill to address many of the valid issues raised by concerned citizens and elected officials whose communities are affected by the proposed expansion of Pinon Canyon, the need for any expansion of Pinon Canyon by the Army, and the economic and environmental impact to southeastern Colorado. I agree with my colleague that the Army needs to answer questions. I agree we need to ensure the residents and communities impacted by any expansion are part of the process and their concerns are addressed. I believe this amendment would not accomplish those goals but, rather, actually keep us from getting needed answers to which they are entitled. Where we disagree is on the approach. This amendment will have long-term unintended consequences we could regret. I ask my colleagues to consider those consequences before they vote. I ask my colleagues to vote no on the Salazar amendment.”