CCAGW Annual Ratings

Wilderness and River Designations – Passage

Description: 

Passage of the bill that would designate approximately 1.36 million acres of federal lands in California, Colorado, and Washington as new, expanded, or potential wilderness areas and designate approximately 1,221 river miles in California and Washington as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers. Specifically, the bill would make such designations for approximately 630,700 acres of federal lands and 756 river miles in California; approximately 660,000 acres of federal lands in Colorado; and approximately 126,540 acres of federal lands and 465 river miles in and around Olympic National Park in Washington. It would also designate approximately 1.2 million acres of additional federal lands in California as restoration, recreation, and other protected areas. Among other provisions, the bill would establish a public-private partnership -- made up of federal, state, and local government officials, and private stakeholders -- to facilitate environmental remediation of federal lands and waters in California damaged by illegal marijuana operations. It would require the Agriculture Department to conduct a number of studies related to establishment or expansion of recreational trails in California. It would protect a number of existing rights and usages on designated lands, including to provide for continued military activities in and around designated lands in Colorado, such as low-level helicopter operations and high altitude training.

Vote Number: 
House Vote 69
Bill Number: 
HR 2546
CCAGW Position: 
Nay
Vote Results: 
Passed 231-183: R 6-182; D 225-0; I 0-1.