Jan 9, 2009 - National Public Lands News (NPLNEWS) - Access For All

Senator,

Please do not vote for Public Lands Omnibus Bill S 22. You will be doing a grave disservice to your constituents and the rest of the American People: the owners of our public lands. The Bill, in its current form, includes over 132 other bills that have not gone through respective committees with no opportunity for offering amendments.

At a time when this congress should be looking at fiscal responsibility, energy needs and regulatory cohesiveness, this bill surely misses the target.

According to a CRS report, $3.4 B will be needed between 2009 and 2013, $15 M between 2009 and 2018 with the extra provision of $3.7B. Under Title VIII, $54 million is to be used for non-profit groups not disclosed and under Title IX, no completion date is attached to the $3.4 B.

Title II of the Bill’s provisions, codifies the National Conservation System (NLCS) with over 26 million acres of public lands and could be in conflict with the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA). The CDCA has been codified by the 1976 Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976, specification section 601.

This bill will run roughshod over citizen's valid existing rights. Designating wilderness areas on public lands is not an inclusive action but caters to an elite few who want exclusivity when it comes to our Natural Heritage.

These lands under the Heritage Wilderness do not qualify for wilderness designation. They just do not meet the regulatory test. The acreage in California has increased from the initial proposal without full public involvement. These lands were proposed under wilderness designation back in 1980 and again in 1994. These lands did not meet wilderness criteria at that time by the responsible agencies and they do not now.

Citizens should have the final say on public land matters not a select few. That is not a democratic process.

There is a process in place. By using the processes of NEPA and the guidelines set up in FLPMA and NFMA, a balanced land management plan can be formulated. This plan would be evaluated under Legislative Environmental Impact Statement (LEIS) as provided under NEPA Regulations at 40 CFR 1500, with full public involvement. This will ensure the public’s full support on the designation

These new wilderness areas will severely compromise the sand and gravel industry that is now needed for infrastructure and energy projects that this new congress is mandated to address. S 22 will severely impact energy corridors that were designated under the California Desert Conservation Area of 1980 and proposed wind, solar and geothermal projects. It will abolish the multiple use concept in the California Desert, which was so much a part of our real heritage.

We all believe that natural resources should be treasured and consolidation of land laws, water laws and land exchanges that have been on hold for years is for the betterment of the public. However this bill trumps valid and existing rights, land owners rights, water rights and will incur fiscal irresponsibility without oversight. Energy Resources will be severely restricted. Eminent Domain is sighted over 23 times.

The social and economic costs of this Bill are not in the best interest of the American people and will add to the existing financial uncertainty challenging our Nation.

It should not be passed.

Thank you,

Sophia Anne Merk

Vice Chair

nplnews.com

nplnews@verizon.net

760-375-3311