STATEMENT
Of the Honorable Nydia M. Velázquez, Chairwoman
United States House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business
Full Committee Hearing: “Maintaining Public Lands for Hunting, Fishing, Ranching and Small Businesses”
Thursday, April 17, 2008

As we approach Earth Day, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the vast natural resources of this country.  This nation’s public lands are one of the greatest national treasures.  They serve as tourist destinations for millions of Americans and generate important economic activity for many small businesses.

 Ranchers use thousands of acres for their cattle to graze, hunting and fishing guides bring in tourism dollars, and local economies see the benefit.  There is also energy development to harvest oil and gas resources. 

Today’s hearing will examine how federal land policy must account for these diverse uses of these lands and the small businesses who access them.  It is key that our federal land policy is balanced and account for these many different categories of small businesses that rely on public land.

One of the key drivers of the Western economy has been the use of these lands for recreational purposes.  Over 87 million Americans participated in wildlife related recreation in 2006, spending more than $122 billion.  Much of this spent on recreation in public lands and the vast majority of firms that reap the benefits are small.   

 Hunting and fishing outfitters depend heavily on the use of public lands.  The vast majority of hunters pursue game on public lands and more than 50 percent of our nation’s most prized trout streams originate on them.  These dollars support outfitters, gear manufacturers and the hotels, restaurants and shops that cater to the tourists who visit these lands.

Our nation’s cattlemen have also depended on these lands for grazing their herds since the 1800’s.  These ranchers are able to lease these lands from the federal government to bring their cattle to market.  While BLM leases 160 million acres a year for grazing purposes to the year, there is increased concern about access and whether the land is usable. 
Energy development is obviously another important use for our public lands.  Our nation is fortunate to have large reserves of natural gas—much of which is on federal lands.  This development has brought economic growth in communities across the West; however, it must be done in a sustainable and balanced manner. 

We all are aware that the energy challenges this country is facing.  Increased domestic production of oil and gas should be part of a balanced national energy strategy; but it alone will not address our current problems.   

The Department of Interior has been invited here to discuss what the agency is doing to meet these diverse needs.  The Federal Land Policy and Management Act charges BLM with the responsibility of managing public lands by balancing a variety of uses.   These uses include recreation, natural resource development, grazing and wildlife preservation. 

The law also requires BLM to take into account the long-term needs of future generations and manage without permanently impairing the quality of the environment.  However, the GAO has reported that BLM has not been meeting its responsibilities for mitigating the environmental impacts. The agency has simply not been able to keep up with the dramatic increase in oil and gas operations on public lands. 

While drilling on certain public lands is necessary—and appropriate to meet our energy needs—it should be managed in a way that will not destroy wildlife habitat and diminish the hunting, fishing and grazing opportunities.  These stakeholders make a very important contribution to the small business economy of the West and their concerns need to be fully considered. 

The fact this hearing coincides with Earth Day is no mistake.  Earth Day was created to raise awareness and appreciation for our environment -- and it is my hope today to show that there are ways to foster economic growth without compromising a healthy, sustainable environment.