Nick Rahall: “I have spent more than half my life as a member of the Resources Committee. In that time I have supported numerous…”

“I have spent more than half my life as a member of the Resources Committee. In that time I have supported numerous wilderness designations. In fact, I cannot recall ever opposing a wilderness bill. Yet, today, I find myself in a different situation. While I am normally excited, in fact, enthused, whenever a Republican introduces a wilderness bill, H.R. 3603 falls far short of what I see as an acceptable standard for such an exceptional area. Wilderness designations should not be the result of a quid pro quo. They should rise or fall on their own merits. We all understand that compromise is part of the legislative process, yet at the same time, I would submit that wilderness is not for sale. Simply put, I believe we should not seek the lowest common denominator when it comes to wilderness and saddle a wilderness designation with exceptions, exclusions, and exemptions. Wilderness is an endangered species. But instead of treating it as such, H.R. 3603 declares open season on it. With all due respect to the author of this legislation, and its supporters, in my view the focus of this bill is placed on development, with public land giveaways, monetary favors and special legislative provisions for a select few. There is nothing to be ashamed about with wilderness. Wilderness is not defined by the absence of certain activities, but rather by the presence of certain unique and invaluable characteristics.…”