Jeff Bingaman actually said...

"We applaud Chairman Bingaman for his leadership and commitment to safeguarding this land."

"Passage of S.409 would give us access to land needed to complete our $1 billion exploration and pre-feasibility effort."

"Senator Bingaman's bill is the product of many years of discussions and collaboration with the local community, stakeholders, and other interested parties."

"Secretary of Agriculture must take any action necessary to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation in administering mineral activities on National Forest System land."