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The Issue
An all out war on our public lands has already begun. On their FIRST day the newly elected U.S. House of Representatives passed a controversial provision (H.R. 5) devaluing our federal parks, forests and national wildlife refuges. The provision in essence implies our public lands have no intrinsic or economic value and paves the way for transferring or selling off our public lands to the highest bidder.
Days later, Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT-3) Introduced legislation (H.R. 621) that would direct the interior to immediately sell off an area of public lands equaling 3.3 million acres. In a press release Chaffetz claimed that the 3.3 million acres of national land maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) served “no purpose for taxpayers."
The NEXT DAY Congressman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) introduced H.J. Res. 46 seeking to repeal updates to the National Park Service's 9B Rules that require detailed planning and safety standards for oil and gas drilling in over 40 National Parks. If these rules are repealed this leaves some of America's most treasured landscapes, our National Parks, open to threats from drilling and mining.
These three actions are just the beginning of a war on our public lands. Over the course of the next four years we expect renewed Congressional attacks on our bedrock environmental laws, including efforts to sell off federal lands owned by all Americans to oil, gas and mining companies. Washington Wild will continue to stand guard in defense of our public lands, but we need your help!
What YOU Can Do
Please take a minute and send a message to your Congressional Representatives to show your support for America's public lands! Urge them to oppose current attacks on our wild places. Personal messages make an impact. Feel free to add a comment expressing why public lands are important to you.
Enter your street address and zip code below to get started.
Photo Courtesy of Andy Porter Photography
Thank you for sending a letter on behalf of Washington Wild today. Your support matters. Together, we can make a difference.
To make an even bigger impact spread the word! Tell your community why you support Washington Wild by sending an email with a link to send a letter themselves, or by sharing the letter on social media.
To support Washington Wild's conservation work consider making a charitable donation today.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@wawild.org