N E W S
| October 11, 2007 |
| WASHINGTON, DC -Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today urged Montana’s multiple-use community to join him in opposing legislation, introduced by Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Christopher Shays (R-CT), which would harm public access and recreation in Montana. “Any piece of legislation affecting public lands must take into consideration input from local communities and those who depend on the resources for work and recreation,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "Unfortunately, this legislation is a top-down approach that doesn't properly take into account the impacts on the local economy nor does it adequately protect access for hunting, fishing and other forms of recreation. The Natural Resources Committee plans to hold a hearing on this bill next week and it’s important I have written proof that Montanans don’t want members from New York and Connecticut dictating our land use policy.” The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act would designate nearly 7 million acres of public land in Montana as wilderness. This additional acreage would triple Montana’s current designation of wilderness acres and result in more than 11% of our state’s total acreage being tied up in wilderness. On October 18th, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee plans to hold a hearing on the bill. Prior to the hearing, Rehberg has created a link on his website urging Montanans to voice their support of his position and opposition to the legislation. “Not only will this affect recreation but I also have concerns this bill could negatively impact Montana’s ability to fight and prevent forest fires,” said Rehberg. “Local Montana communities deserve to have a voice in this proposal. I’m hopeful that thousands of postcards saying ‘NO’ will send a strong, clear message that this bill isn’t how we do business in Montana.” Link to the online form: |
