Today, in honor of Earth Day, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) issued the following statement:

"As Americans, we are blessed to live in a nation with the greatest natural resources on earth. We have an unchosen obligation to ensure future generations can access the abundant resources we enjoy today. The House Committee on Natural Resources will continue to promote expanding access to our public lands and waters, using our resources for all types of energy, supporting wildlife conservation efforts and keeping our Commitment to America. I’m honored to be a leader in these efforts and celebrate Earth Day, today and every day!"

Background

Committee Republicans have championed policies that promote public land and resources access this Congress, including:

The Lower Energy Cost Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), will increase the production of clean domestic energy to lower global admissions.

The Ouachita National Forest Overnight Camping Act, introduced by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), will reopen beloved lands in the Fourth District of Arkansas to camping and other recreational activities.

The Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreational Pass Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), will amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to provide an annual National Recreational Pass for law enforcement officers and firefighters. 

The FILM Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), will provide exceptions from permitting and fee requirements for content creation conducted on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior.

The WATER for California Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), will provide long-term water supply and regulatory reliability to drought-stricken California.

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.), will safeguard hunters' and anglers' ability to use lead ammunition and tackle on certain federal lands and waters.

The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), will ensure the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture can use a fire retardant, chemical, or water for fire suppression, control or prevention activities.