Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) testified before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.J. Res. 60, which nullifies a rule issued by the National Park Service titled "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; Motor Vehicles," and H.J. Res. 78, which nullifies a rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt." 

Below are Westerman's full remarks, as prepared.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

First, I want to thank my colleagues, Representatives Maloy and LaMalfa, for working with my team to advance these resolutions.

The Committee on Natural Resources remains committed to advancing commonsense legislation and reversing the previous administration's unnecessary executive actions.

H.J. Res. 78 will deliver on President Trump’s promise to turn on the taps in California by undoing a flawed Biden-era rule listing the longfin smelt as endangered.

I should first note that since Congress enacted the ESA in 1973, approximately 1,700 species have been listed as threatened or endangered. However, only 3 percent of listed species have been classified as recovered and delisted. Based on this abysmal track record, listing the longfin smelt under the ESA is more of a lifelong sentence than a saving grace.

This erroneous listing is entirely focused on the San Francisco Bay Delta population of longfin smelt. It ignores the fact that this species currently inhabits the entirety of the Bay, occupying all its tributaries and successfully spawning in all types of water conditions. The facts demonstrably show the species is not at risk of extinction. The Biden administration only finalized the listing after a pressure campaign of weaponized litigation from radical environmental groups.

While the scientific merits of this listing are weak, its effects are anything but. California water supplies are already bound in layers of red tape, and the listing tightens those chains even further. Due in large part to restrictions imposed by the ESA, many farmers are receiving half of their federally allocated water supply. America depends on the food grown in California’s Central Valley, and we need to provide immediate relief to these agricultural communities, so they receive the water they desperately need and are entitled to.

Thanks to the work of Congressman LaMalfa and the Republican members of the California delegation, we are removing unnecessary regulatory burdens preventing farmers from accessing their water resources.

I am also here today to testify on behalf of H.J. Res. 60, an important continuation of the Committee on Natural Resources’ work to restore multiple use and public access to our federal lands.

Southern Utah is home to many of America’s most majestic and stunning natural wonders – from the canyons of Zion National Park to the sweeping vistas and otherworldly terrain of Arches.

In a state full of outdoor recreation opportunities, one of the most cherished locations for exploration is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Before it was officially designated as a recreation area by Congress, off-road enthusiasts had been heading out to conquer the roughhewn trails and unique terrain this area offers. In support of outdoor recreation, the National Park Service worked to expand off-road recreation opportunities as recently as 2021, but was quickly beaten back by radical environmental litigants.

The Biden administration later issued a rule restricting off-road activity in the recreation area, overturning decades of precedent and dramatically limiting public access. Congresswoman Maloy’s efforts will overturn this draconian rule and reopen dozens of miles of prized off-road trails for Utahns and all Americans to enjoy.

I urge the Committee to report an appropriate rule so these resolutions can be considered in the House. Thank you, and I yield back.

Background

H.J. Res 60, introduced by U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), overturns a Biden administration regulation restricting off-highway vehicle use throughout the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah and Arizona.

H.J. Res. 78, introduced by U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif), overturns a Biden administration regulation listing the longfin smelt as endangered. This will help farmers receive much-needed water while removing unnecessary regulatory burdens.