On the recordMarch 26, 2014
Today I rise in opposition to H.R. 1459. Exactly one year ago yesterday, the President designated 970 acres of land in my district as the San Juan National Monument. This designation came after years of grassroots work and outreach to create a consensus plan to protect these critically important areas. It came only because Congress failed to act on that consensus. I know, because I tried to get Congress to act and it didn't happen. In both the 112th and 113th Congress, I introduced legislation that would have protected these lands in a nearly identical way to the National Monument designation. Unfortunately, those bills stalled because of ideological opposition to conservation. In the part of the country I represent, people know that conservation isn't just good for the environment, it's good for business. The San Juans and the water around them are home to diverse wildlife from the Island Marble Butterfly to the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Because of that diversity, they are an economic engine for Northwest Washington that attracts thousands of tourists each year. Every year, fishermen, hunters, tourists, boaters, hikers, snowboarders, and tourists spend millions throughout my state. They come for the natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities we have to offer. If we do not protect those resources, we lose that business. For many rural areas, outdoor recreation is the driver of the economy.…
