US Rep Bass: Conservation Programs Vital to Preserving New Hampshire's Natural Resources, Economic Growth

Joins colleagues in supporting Land and Water Conservation Fund, Community Forest Program

WASHINGTON – Stressing that conservation programs are vital to preserving New Hampshire’s natural resources and economic growth, Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) recently signed onto two bipartisan letters to the House Appropriations Committee urging sufficient funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Community Forest Program (CFP) during the Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations process.

Bass said:

“Conservation programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Community Forest Program are vital to our way of life in New Hampshire.  Our scenic views and natural resources are treasures to be shared and preserved for future generations while at the same time contributing to our state’s economy through the forest products, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries. 

“Conservation programs like these have already made an impact on projects such as the Newfound Pathway at Newfound Lake, the Randolph Community Forest, and the Paul T. Doherty Memorial Forest in Gorham.  Given New Hampshire’s long history of responsible environmental stewardship, funding LWCF and CFP at sufficient levels will allow ongoing land conservation projects in our state to continue.

“We have a lot of priorities that we need to meet, and I believe we can do so in a fiscally responsible manner.  I look forward to working with my colleagues on ensuring support for these programs.”

According to the Outdoor Industry Foundation, active outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, camping, or wildlife viewing supports 53,000 jobs in New Hampshire and produces nearly $4 billion annually in retail sales and services – a significant impact on our state’s economic well-being.

Rob Riley, the President of the Northern Forest Center, said, “The Congressman’s support for the Community Forest Program can ensure that New Hampshire stays on the forefront of innovative working lands conservation.  Examples of community forests in Errol, Randolph and Gorham have set a precedent for lands providing community benefit in Coos County.  We have exciting opportunities in Milan and Northern Grafton County and in Vermont where we are providing direct services to help communities acquire and manage forest land.  The federal program, while small, will help provide capital to continue local efforts and leverage significant outcomes for the region.”

“Congressman Bass understands how wise conservation investments through the Land and Water Conservation Fund protect New Hampshire’s natural and recreation heritage, and boost our local communities,” said Will Manzer, CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports.  “Conserving those places where we get out to hike, fish, hike or paddle supports the businesses that build our vibrant recreation economy.  His leadership is to be commended.”

Rodger Krussman, State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire for the Trust for Public Land, said, “In New Hampshire specifically, and across northern New England and the country, communities are helping to strengthen forest-based economies through local ownership and management of timberland.  Congressman Bass’ support for community forests recognizes that community forests are a uniquely powerful conservation strategy that protect critical natural and recreational resources and empower citizens and communities to be a part of the economic solution that sustains jobs and enhances the quality of life in the region.”

A copy of the Land and Water Conservation Fund letter can be found here, and a copy of the Community Forest Program letter can be found here.

http://bass.house.gov

CEI Launches 'Resourceful Earth' to Fight Political Barriers to Natural Resource Production

Activist Project Will Take on Powerful Opponents of Jobs and Prosperity

 

Washington, DC, June 17, 2011 - The Competitive Enterprise Institute's Center for Energy and Environment this week launched Resourceful Earth, a new project that will oppose political barriers to natural resource production.  Resourceful Earth will take on campaigns by well-funded environmental pressure groups that abuse federal and state regulations and pursue endless lawsuits to block or hinder hardrock mines, coal mines, oil and gas drilling, timber production, farming, and ranching.

CEI's new grassroots activist website, ResourcefulEarth.org, will educate and empower Americans to promote access to natural resources and oppose special interests that abuse the regulatory process to block new projects.  The first two campaigns targeted by Resourceful Earth will be Earthworks' No Dirty Gold, which opposes gold mining,and Oceana's Stop the Drill, which opposes offshore oil.

"America has incredibly abundant natural resources, but more and more of them are being locked up as a result of campaigns by environmental pressure groups," said Myron Ebell, Director of CEI's Center for Energy and Environment.  "And unfortunately, many major corporations are being greenmailed into supporting these political assaults on jobs and prosperity.

"Resourceful Earth will shine a bright light on the disinformation campaigns waged against new natural resource projects and on the economic damage done when huge new investments are scrapped because of years and even decades of regulatory delays," continued Ebell.  "Our website, ResourcefulEarth.org, will provide the tools necessary for grassroots activists to get involved and defeat the advocates of scarcity."

Resourceful Earth is being launched on June 17 in Minneapolis at the fourth annual Right Online conference, which brings together over one thousand conservative and free market grassroots activists.  ResourcefulEarth.org is simultaneously seeking signatures on a petition that urges corporations not to support efforts such as No Dirty Gold and Stop the Drill.

Sunacom.com - NH Senator Odell Chairs new Energy and Natural Resources Committee

In his Dec. 19, 2010 column on Sunacom.com, New Hampshire Senator Odell writes,

"... the committee that handled Fish and Game and wildlife issues has been added to the Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee... renamed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. I will chair the committee for the next two years but will ask Senator John Gallus (Berlin) to preside when wildlife and Fish and Game Department issues are before the committee."

"The New Hampshire Legislature has given substantial powers to the Senate President and Speaker of the House." "The chief of staff's salary has been slashed, positions have been eliminated and the goal is to reduce legislative branch annual spending by $250,000."

"Senator Matt Houde (Plainfield) will Chair the Judiciary Committee, the only appointment of a Democrat to a committee chairmanship."

"[The 10 member Fiscal Committee] lineup is in place, ready for the work to begin." 

Natural Resources Committee Holds Hearing on Shea-Porter Bill

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife of the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the National Marine Fisheries Ombudsman Act of 2010 (H.R. 5180).  Congresswoman Shea-Porter, a member of that Subcommittee, introduced H.R. 5180 on April 29, 2010, which will create an Office of the Ombudsman within the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 

 

“NMFS has had a difficult time reaching out to the fishermen,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter at the hearing.  “At this point, there is so little trust of the Service that any efforts to improve the relationship will be met with significant distrust.  However, there is need for more interaction, and an Ombudsman would be able to investigate complaints brought by fishermen.  That is why this bill is needed and I am pleased the Committee is moving forward.”

 

In a January 2010 report, the Department of Commerce Inspector General recommended reestablishing the position of Ombudsman.   Shea-Porter’s bill would do so, creating an independent office that will act as a neutral third party to identify points of conflict and contention between NMFS and fishermen, undertake impartial fact-finding and investigations and mitigate those points of conflict.  The Ombudsman will also serve as a point of contact and receive complaints from industries regulated by NMFS and will conduct community outreach and disseminate information about new regulations and requirements.  The Ombudsman will report to Congress annually on their recommendations to improve the services and responsiveness of NMFS, summarize the most pervasive and serious points of conflict, and make recommendations to resolve those points of conflict.

SEIA STATEMENT ON HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE HEARING ON CLEAR ACT

WASHINGTON, DC – Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement today on the House Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act of 2009, which would create the Office of Federal Energy and Minerals Leasing of the U.S. Department of the Interior:

“I would like to thank Chairman Rahall and the House Natural Resources Committee for taking up this important issue for the advancement of reliable, clean utility-scale solar energy. Deployment of utility-scale solar power is one of the most effective ways to move away from our dangerous dependence on foreign fuel sources, diversify our energy portfolio and reduce pollution. Developing utility-scale solar will create jobs around the country, from engineering and project development to manufacturing and construction. The Chairman has shown a commitment to seeking solutions to the challenges renewable energy developers face, and we look forward to working with him and the rest of the committee to improve this bill.”

Craig Mataczynski, President and CEO of SEIA member RES Americas, testified at the hearing.