Pearce Pushes to Protect Economies of Western States

Statement

Pearce Pushes to Protect Economies of Western States

Today, Congressman Pearce will push to protect the New Mexico economy by opposing a 26 million acre land grab. The House of Representatives will debate legislation that creates a National Conservation Landscape System that would reclassify tens of millions of western land that is currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Such a move would make it much easier to restrict traditional uses of the land such as ranching, hunting, fishing, and leasing the land for energy and mining development.

"There is no question that today's legislation will damage the economies of western states," said Pearce, a former small businessman and member of the 4-H Hall of Fame. "Our communities, who depend on the multiple use of public land, could be wiped out if this legislation goes forward."

"We have counties in New Mexico that have less than 10% private land. The NCLS will make it incredibly difficult for counties to generate revenue if they are barred from the activities that are currently providing the most economic opportunity", he continued.

Today, Pearce will offer an amendment to protect grazing rights in the NCLS.

"My amendment will ensure that nothing in this act cuts off the current operations of ranchers in the west. Without this amendment, it is entirely possible that enactment of this bill will cut off millions of dollars in activity and devastate our western counties," Pearce explained.

The legislation will be debated this afternoon and voted on as soon as debate is concluded.

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