On the recordJuly 12, 2016
Mr. Chairman, I would just respond to my colleague's concern by stating that the concerns that he raises, that the Fish and Wildlife Service raises, are legitimate concerns. But they are concerns that are already being addressed by other regulatory bodies, including the States who have both the legal authority and the expertise as well as, as I said earlier, the natural incentive to do it well. It is where they live. I think it is also important to understand that it is sort of private property law 101, that the minerals are often bifurcated from the surface, and that is the case we are talking about. And in that case, at least in North Dakota, the minerals supersede, actually, the surface rights. So this rule conflicts with not only common sense, but even with basic private property law. I, again, urge a ``yes'' vote, and assure my colleagues that the concerns raised are being addressed by other regulatory bodies. Duplication is not necessary. I yield back the balance of my time.
