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For Immediate Release
March 9, 2005 |
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Carole King Joins Shays,
Maloney in Support of Rockies Prosperity Act
Washington, D.C. - Music legend Carole King
joined Representatives Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Carolyn
Maloney (D-NY) today to announce the introduction of the bipartisan
Rockies Prosperity Act, formerly the Northern Rockies Ecosystem
Protection Act, which seeks to save taxpayers money and create
jobs while maintaining the integrity of uniquely valuable
American lands.
“The Wild Rockies are a living national treasure,”
Shays said. “But that treasure is shrinking every day.
The Rockies Prosperity Act will help preserve our wild species,
sustain Americans communities in five states and save tax
dollars.”
“Before it’s too late, we need to preserve America’s
most precious natural resources and wildlife,” Maloney
said. “In one fell swoop, we can protect the environment,
create jobs and save money for taxpayers. This bill’s
a winner in many ways.”
“The ecological integrity of the bill is the same as
it’s always been. There has always been an economic
component,” King said. “When the land thrives,
people prosper.” King, an award-winning singer/songwriter,
has been an advocate for this legislation for 14 years.
The Northern Rocky Mountains are the only place in the lower
48 states where grizzly bear, caribou, elk, bison, wolves,
bull trout and salmon still thrive. The bill seeks to safeguard
this wildlife and the lands on which they live, protecting
the ecosystem and the economy. Natural landscapes are proven
to draw tourists, sustaining local businesses and fostering
growth in the economically stagnant region.
The Rockies Prosperity Act:
· Creates over 2,300 jobs and more sustainable economic
base in the region;
· Connects natural, biological corridors, ensuring the
continued existence of native plants and animals;
· Designates more than 18 million acres of wilderness-based
ecosystems, watersheds and science;
· Keeps water available for ranchers and farmers downstream
until it is most needed; and
· Saves taxpayers $245 million over a 10 year period.
The bill currently has 32 cosponsors, including: Howard Berman
(D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Sharrod Brown (D-OH), Lois
Capps (D-CA), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Ed Case (D-HI), Ben
Chandler (D-KY), William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Elijah Cummings
(D-MD), Susan Davis (D-CA), Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Sam Farr
(D-CA), Mike Ferguson (R-NJ), Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), Tim
Holden (D-PA), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Darlene
Hooley (D-OR), Jay Inslee (D-WA), Dale Kildee (D-MI), Jim
McDermott (D-WA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY),
Bob Ney (R-OH), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ),
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Linda Sanchez (D-CA),
Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Pete Stark
(D-CA).
It is also supported by Former President Jimmy Carter, League
of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club and 190 other organizations.
Contact: Sarah Moore,
202/225-5541
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