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Organization: U.S. Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon
Date: July 16, 2008
McKeon Applauds Senate Subcommittee Hearing on Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Mountains Wild Heritage Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon issued the following
statement on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public
Lands and Forests hearing on S. 3069 this afternoon:
34;Today the Senate took an important first step in the legislative process by holding a hearing
on S.3069, the Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Mountains Wild Heritage Act.
Senator Boxer and I have been working together for over 18 months on this legislation to
both permanently protect wilderness and enhance economic opportunity throughout the 25th
Congressional District of California. S. 3069, and its companion measure in the House,
H.R. 6156, are shining examples of compromise and truly include something for everyone."
"This legislation would permanently protect the stunning landscapes of the Eastern Sierra and
Northern San Gabriel Mountains as wilderness, while at the same time providing for increased
visitation and economic growth with the creation of the Bridgeport Winter Recreation area and
the release of over 50,000 acres of wilderness study area. Senator Boxer and I continue to refine
the language of the bill to better serve the needs of all our constituents, and I applaud both
Chairman Bingaman and Ranking Member Domenici on holding today’s hearing."
The legislation now moves to the full Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for review.
See below for Congressman McKeon’s Full Written Testimony:
CONGRESSMAN HOWARD P. "BUCK" MCKEON
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee Hearing
July 16, 2008 WRITTEN TESTIMONY SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF S.3069, THE EASTERN SIERRA AND NORTHERN SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS WILD HERITAGE ACT Mr. MCKEON: Mr. Chairman, let me first thank you for including the Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Mountains Wild Heritage Act in today’s hearing. As you know, I represent California’s 25th district, and am the sponsor of a companion bill in the House, H.R. 6156.
Having originally championed new wilderness designations in the 109th Congress, I was pleased to have the opportunity to work directly with Senator Boxer on a new, expanded bill. This legislation follows over 18 months of direct negotiations, building on the input of our respective constituencies, federal agencies and local governments. S.3069 and its companion in the House, H.R. 6156, are a shining example of genuine compromise in the pursuit of shared goals.
This legislation calls for 470,000 acres of wilderness additions districtwide. From snow-capped peaks of the proposed Hoover wilderness to the high-desert oasis of the White Mountains and green meadows of the Owens River Headwaters this bill will provide lasting protections for these world class treasures. In addition the bill designates over 50 miles of the Amargosa River, Cottonwood Creek, Owens Headwaters, and Piru Creeks as wild and scenic rivers.
Furthermore the bill provides resolution of long-standing winter recreation issues by legalizing recreation on 11,000 acres in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. In addition, 50,000 acres of Wilderness Study Area are released in the bill, following almost three decades of Administrative limbo. The totality of this legislation will greatly benefit the Eastern Sierra region, not only by resolving many resource related conflicts, but also providing badly needed economic opportunity and preserving wilderness areas for future generations.
Mr. Chairman, this legislation is the result of a great deal of compromise, cooperation, and support. Both Senator Boxer and I care very deeply about the wild heritage of all the pristine lands throughout California, and I am pleased that we have been able to come together and present this legislation. Energetic support from my constituents in the 25th District has made it a distinct pleasure to introduce and champion this legislation in the House. I encourage your strong support of the Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Mountains Wild Heritage Act.
