Pro-Conservation Republicans Make Difference in Passing Monuments Protection
DEERFIELD, IL, June 22, 2001 - Votes from pro-conservation Republicans made the difference in passage yesterday of a House amendment to block funds for drilling and mining inside national monuments, REP America, the national grassroots organization of Republicans for environmental protection, said.
"The Republicans who know that conservation is conservative were the ones who put the amendment over the top. We're proud they did the right thing and voted to protect all of our national monuments," said Jim Scarantino, REP America executive director.
The amendment, which passed by a vote of 242-173, will bar funding for new mineral development in all national monuments created by presidents under the 1906 Antiquities Act.
"We can meet our country's energy needs without spoiling these special lands," Scarantino said. "A sensible energy plan that promotes efficiency, develops new energy technologies, and reduces our risky over-reliance on fossil fuels will help us keep the lights on and our special public lands undisturbed."
"National monuments are heritage lands that belong to all Americans," Scarantino said. "Since the days of Theodore Roosevelt, who created 18 national monuments, Republican presidents have used the Antiquities Act to protect special places with great scenic, recreational, and cultural value. We're thrilled that Republican lawmakers remembered our party's proud conservation legacy and voted to protect what their political forebears created."
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