Liberty Matters News Service 

March 8, 1999 

Land Grab Bill Hearing

On March 9-10, Don Young will hold a hearing on H.R. 701, his Conservation and Reinvestment Act and H.R. 798, the Permanent Protection for America’s Resources 2000 Act introduced by Rep. George Miller (D-CA). H.R. 798 would guarantee $2.3 billion annually for acquisition, while Young’s pledges $900 million annually. Both bills will perpetually fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to take American soil out of the hands of the private landowners. This week, 10 more members were added as cosponsors to Young’s bill bringing the list to over 50. Last Wednesday, the Western Caucus met at Young’s request to decide if they would support his bill, but no vote took place. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH) was opposed to the "off-budget" aspect of the bill and had serious doubts that the bill would make it through the appropriations process. This is a terrible sell out by the Republicans and every effort should be made to oppose this land grab scheme. Contact members of the Resources Committee to tell them your concerns.  Faxback Doc. 394

Speaking of "Willing" Sellers

The controversial buyout of California’s Headwaters Forest went through last week. Pacific Lumber Company finally agreed to the government’s deal, but not without a little regulatory enticement from Secretary Bruce Babbitt who vowed to "vigorously enforce" the ESA to protect wildlife on Pacific Lumber Lands." (Greenwire 3/1) Is this what Don Young has in mind when he states his bill will only affect "willing sellers?"

Property Rights Conference in Two Weeks

The Property Rights Congress will hold its Washington DC conference March 19-21. Friday sessions will cover key issues facing landowners including a strategy session led by Liberty Matters on the Land and Water Conservation Fund proposals. Congressman Helen Chenoweth will deliver the keynote address. The conference is designed to educate on the issues and involve participants in the developing of tools such as a property rights pledge. Call (703) 925-0881 to register.  Faxback doc. 388 (registration form)

More Grand Plans From Clinton

At the 150th year celebration of the Department of Interior last week, President Clinton revealed more land grab plans. First, "I will soon send the Congress a plan to bestow the highest level of wilderness protection on more than 5 million acres of backcountry lands within Yellowstone, Glacier and other national parks." Next, "We believe this Lands Legacy Initiative must be a permanent legacy…and… I promise to work with Congress to create for the very first time a guaranteed fund for protecting and restoring priceless land all across America. There are many good legislative ideas for achieving this goal. We think any solution must provide at least $1 billion annually, with at least half dedicated to helping communities protect local greenspaces. It also must recognize the unique environmental challenges of coastal states, without creating any new incentives for offshore oil drilling." Sounds like the President and Don Young have already ironed out the details.

Defending the Environment or Destroying any Chance of Reform?

Congressman Waxman along with 79 co-sponsors introduced the Defense of the Environment Act of 1999, HR 525. The bill will require any provision in any legislation that "reduces protection of the environment" must be voted on by the house and the Senate. This bill raises the status of the environment to such a level as to be a legislative stopgap to any environmental reform. Under this legislation, a majority of the members of the minority party or majority party of the committee could request the Comptroller General of the US stop any bill. This added bureaucratic maneuver could in effect block any piece of legislation, including ESA reform. Section 3(b)(2)B states if a bill or portion "diminishes protection of species that may be endangered," then this bill can be invoked. This clearly is a backlash to property rights and takings legislation attempting to raise the environment to a level of constitutional proportion. Faxback Doc. 395