Obama Administration Announces Support for DelBene/Larsen Legislation to Protect Green Mountain Lookout

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Obama Administration today announced it supports legislation to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout authored by Reps. Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen. The Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act would protect the lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness that a U.S. District Court ordered removed following a lawsuit.

In a Statement of Administration Policy, the White House wrote, "The Administration supports provisions that would allow for the operation of the Green Mountain Lookout in Washington State."

"We appreciate the administration's support for our commonsense bill to keep the Green Mountain Lookout where it belongs," DelBene and Larsen said. "The Lookout is an iconic piece of the Pacific Northwest's history and it deserves to be protected for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy today and in the years to come."

The DelBene/Larsen bill to protect the lookout is included in a package of controversial public lands bills put up for a vote this week by House Republican leadership. The Obama Administration and numerous environmental groups oppose the package, which the administration says, "contains a number of provisions that would undermine the responsible balance of interests and considerations in the stewardship of the Nation's lands and natural resources." Both DelBene and Larsen will oppose the omnibus legislation as currently drafted and are calling instead for a clean, individual vote on their Green Mountain Lookout bill.

The House Committee on Natural Resources has approved the Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have introduced companion legislation in the Senate where it awaits action.

Source