Ron Wyden

Legislating forest management state by state is at best bad policy, at its worst it could unravel the national forest system.

We need to restore the balance between environmental protection, resource development, and access for recreation on our public lands.

Keeping our communities safe, healthy, and livable is critical.

I think he is absolutely right.

The Subcommittee on National Parks has previously announced a hearing to be held on Wednesday, July 31, at 2:30 p.m. to consider several bills. In addition to the bills previously announced, the subcommittee will also hear testimony on: S…

As Chairman Wyden acknowledged, these funds are a small first step in addressing the need.

Senator Murkowski and I wanted to schedule this hearing so that the committee can explore and consider new ideas.

It now has a deferred maintenance backlog that is estimated at $11 billion.

The Park Service faces significant funding challenges in taking care of the more than 400 national parks.

So what can be done about World Acceptance? I mean, this is evidently an important investigation by a credible consumer rights group, something that has been an ongoing problem.

This looks like another way to get around efforts by some who are pro-consumer.

I want to commend you, Mr. Chairman, and Senator Collins. I think this is a very important topic.

I would like you to get back to me in writing with what the tools you have are with respect to World Acceptance.

The establishment of national passes, with discounted pricing for seniors and the disabled, was never intended to maximize revenue.

I am deeply troubled by the article calling for boosting funding for the NPS by increasing fees on park visitors.

The proposal for 'differential pricing' would convert the best parks at the most desirable seasons into enclaves for the wealthy.

I feel strongly that the National Parks are public lands and that access to these resources should not be limited due to increased fees and economic restrictions.

Congress should pass this legislation now, because this legislation helps to ensure that State and local governments will have resources they need to keep up with infrastructure requirements.

I am particularly pleased that S. 1273 focuses on the fair and equitable distribution of a portion of revenues derived from energy development on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) areas adjacent to coastal states.

Today the committee has the opportunity to hear testimony on S. 1273, the FAIR Act, legislation authored by two very valuable members of this committee and personal friends, Senator Murkowski and Senator Landrieu.

I came away convinced that but for the wonderful Cajun accents of Senator Landrieu's constituents, the meeting resembled those we have in Southern Oregon.

I would hope that he (and Congress) actually believe this and will not capitulate to the commercial interests who view our public lands in the same vein as the marketing of fast food and laundry detergent.

I think we're going to have a pretty big debate this fall with respect to budget priorities and ARPA-E and I'm very hopeful that there will be bipartisan support for that.

The good news is that, according to a recent study in Science, the science publication, by some of the most prominent researchers in the field, there is a path out of this bind.

Let's level the playing field, unlock private sector investment, and particularly continue investing in innovation.