DENVER—The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing today to discuss the land use planning process and the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act, or FLPMA.
The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Policy Director Rachael Hamby:
"Senators heard one consistent message today: Multiple use is hard. Finding the balance happens on the ground, with the residents, scientists, and small business owners who know the land the best. That's why it's so foolish for Congress to use a blunt instrument like the Congressional Review Act to impose land management decisions from Washington.
"Senators also heard how the Bureau of Land Management is facing an unprecedented staffing crisis due to the Trump administration's cuts. Congress needs to step up on behalf of our public lands and ensure BLM has the people and funding to do its job and steward these lands for future generations."
Last month, Congress used the Congressional Review Act to overturn three resource management plans, potentially throwing land management in those areas into chaos. The measures are awaiting final processing by congressional clerks before they're sent to the president's desk.
For more information, visit westernpriorities.org..
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