Western Caucuses Release State Environmental Solutions Report

Press Release

Today, Senate Western Caucus Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) and Congressional Western Caucus Co-Chairs Stevan Pearce (R-NM) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), released a new report entitled: "Washington Gets It Wrong, States Get It Right: A New Report on State Environmental Stewardship."

The report provides new details on how state agencies in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming are working effectively to protect their land and its resources. The report also examines how "one-size-fits-all" Washington regulations and mandates continue to undermine successful state environmental solutions across the country.

"As our report confirms, Wyoming and other western states are leading the way when it comes to protecting our environment and ensuring the multiple use of the land--all without hurting jobs in our communities," said Sen. Barrasso. "Instead of supporting state solutions, the Obama Administration continues to push expensive, overreaching regulations that cause more harm than good. If the Administration wants to protect the environment, they'll get out of the way and watch local leaders solve these important issues. It's clear that Americans who live and work on these lands are in the best position to continue managing them for the people in their states."

"Western states employ thousands of professional foresters, biologists and other scientists who understand better than bureaucrats in Washington how to protect species and conserve our resources," said Rep. Pearce. "States have taken the lead in striking the balance between protecting the environment and growing the economy. The Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses will continue to highlight these successes through reports like this, and promote policies based on the successful models created by our state officials."

"Our report demonstrates what we already knew: states are more efficient and effective than Washington when it comes to environmental stewardship," said Rep. Lummis. "The individual states know their land, water, and natural resources better than a federal agency ever could. You won't see a more entrenched love for a place and its natural treasures than in the communities that live near the land and depend on it for their livelihoods. The hard work done at the state level to ensure a quality environment is threatened by heavy-handed, federal mandates and interference from agencies like the EPA. States are so much more attuned to the needs of their people and can do so much better to protect their environment and manage their natural resources than a one-size-fits-all approach from Washington."

Key Findings From the Report on how States are Excelling in Regards to Conservation:

Protecting species on the ground- States are developing conservation policies that work with industry and landowners to protect species such as the sage grouse and others without hampering multiple use policies.

Protecting our water, land and air- States are promoting water, land and air protections by creating their own Regional Haze State Implementation Plans, state forestry initiatives , effective oil and gas regulations and other state-led programs that are tailored towards community needs rather than "one-size-fits-all" policies handed down from federal agencies.

Promoting access to fish and wildlife- State wildlife, game and fish departments and conservation agencies are managing, planning, and protecting land and natural resources in a manner that allows for public spaces to be enjoyed while ensuring those spaces remain intact for future generations.

In-state scientific and support staff- State agencies are employing thousands of professionals who live in the communities they are trying to protect and best know how to accomplish their mission.

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