"That is why I introduced H.R. 382, the Preserve Land Freedom for Americans Act, to require State approval..."
"States and their citizens deserve to have a say in the disposition of Federal lands within their jurisdiction."
"What was most damaging, however, was the manner in which this designation was made. There was no local involvement or input."
"This Proclamation violated both the letter and spirit of the 'smallest area' clause and purposefully locked-up an abundance of domestic energy resources."
"When Grand Staircase was initiated, private property was surrounded by the Staircase, and the squeeze to those property owners began."
"The process is far from perfect, I admit. But it is an established process by which activities are subjected to a transparent and public process, which have not always been the case."
"There is widespread feeling within our State that we were dealt a great injustice by President Clinton when he created the Grand-Staircase-Escalante Monument."
"So, let me just simply say today we are going to hear testimony on a number of bills that would reform the Antiquities Act."
"This monument proclamation violated both the letter and the spirit, and purposely locked up an abundance of domestic NG resources."
"I love representative democracy in action."
"There was no local involvement, no consultation with those who would be impacted by the decision."