U.S. House Subcommittee Should Protect Public Lands and Rivers in Western States

The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted a written statement for a June 23 hearing of the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands expressing support for two bills that, if enacted, would strengthen protections for public lands in New Mexico and Oregon.

The Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act (H.R. 2522) would expand protections within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico by designating approximately 13,000 acres as wilderness. The Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Area would help sustain outdoor recreation opportunities and a traditional way of life. Supporters of the legislation include the Taos Pueblo, community members, faith leaders, and small-business owners.

In Oregon, the Wild Rogue Conservation and Recreation Enhancement Act (H.R. 7509) would designate approximately 60,000 acres of public lands as wilderness and establish a nearly 100,000-acre recreation area in the Wild Rogue area of southwest Oregon, enhancing safeguards for the region’s rivers, supporting fish populations, and ensuring access to clean drinking water.