On the recordFebruary 7, 2017
My colleague from Virginia may not be completely aware of the implementation and the effect of this rule in Western States like Wyoming where, for example, the process that has been described as an open process is, in fact, one where, in my State, our Department of Environmental Quality on another BLM rule was in a position where they agreed to be a cooperating agency and then did not hear from the BLM for 4 years. When you are talking about our very livelihood, you are in a situation where we simply can't run that risk. We cannot adopt a rule or let a rule stand that expands that kind of authority in Washington, no matter who is in charge in Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tipton).