"Today, I thank the American people, who have demonstrated their will that it is time to lead our nation in a new direction. For too long now, this Congress has pursued policies that are out of touch with American expectations for conserving our unique natural and cultural heritage – and my colleagues and I are looking forward to working together to restore the balance that has been lost along the way.

"Nowhere will this be more true than for the House Resources Committee, if my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus so choose to select me as its next Chairman. I have always been a believer in the "two E’s" – endowment and empowerment – which together will go a long way toward realizing the potential of our nation’s most precious resources and preserving our country’s heritage for future generations.

"America is endowed with a rich tapestry of incomparable natural and cultural resources. Yet many of our most significant resources are still not properly cared for and protected – whether it be roadless areas in national forests, the crumbling national parks, threatened and endangered species, or the integrity of our oceans and our fisheries. As Chairman of this Committee, it is integral to promote sound conservation that will protect the wilderness potential of public lands, promote outdoor recreation opportunities to hunt, fish and enjoy our natural environment, and restore our oceans and fisheries.