Washington, DC - Keeping true to his word, Senate Majority Leader Reid today announced the introduction by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Bingaman of a new version of the omnibus lands package (S. 22) that was considered but not voted on in the final days of the 110th Congress. The package would designate more than 2 million acres of wilderness across nine states - from California to West Virginia. In addition to 16 wilderness bills, the omnibus package includes measures dealing with water issues and heritage lands, and would create a national landscape conservation system. A cloture vote is expected Sunday.
"We applaud Majority Leader Reid for promptly taking up unfinished work from last year on this vitally important conservation measure," said Mike Matz, executive director of the Campaign for America's Wilderness. "This package is the result of years of work by a broad and diverse coalition of business owners, local elected officials, sportsmen, the faith community, conservationists and many others who wish to leave to future generations more of our wild land just as it is today. Sen. Reid is being true to his word to them."
"With so much uncertainty in our lives today -- from the struggling economy to conflict abroad, Americans are heartened by the assurance that their most beloved places will stay as they are, places where they can get away to hike, hunt, fish, camp, canoe or just find peace and solitude."
"All Americans will benefit with the quick passage of this omnibus bill, and we hope it is one of the first pieces of legislation to reach the new president's desk."
Download this PDF file to learn more about the wilderness measures in the lands package.
