Political Quotes

“Recently I joined fellow lawmakers in sending a letter to the U.S. Agriculture Secretary concerning the U.S. Forest Service's proposed groundwater resource management directive. Similar to a large number of other proposals stemming from this administration, the directive seeks to further federalize water resources at the expense of State authority and private property rights. Additionally, it will unnecessarily interfere with State and private water rights, along with other activities. Furthermore, the directive was proposed without State or local input, which will encourage litigation and potentially interfere with the adjacent State, local, and private land and water rights. In Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, 93 percent of the subsurface rights are privately owned, which means the consequence of this directive could even be more complicated and threatening to private property and water rights. Mr. Speaker, the mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests. Unfortunately, this policy will achieve little or no environmental benefit while it, at the same time, undermines the agency's statutory obligation to manage these lands. The Forest Service should withdraw this ill-timed and punitive directive. ____________________”