MON FOREST COULD HAVE 37,000 ACRES PROTECTED WITH NEW LEGISLATION

(01/13/2009)

The US Senate has advanced legislation that would set aside more than 2 million acres in nine states as wilderness areas. Majority Democrats assembled more than enough votes to overcome GOP stalling tactics in a Sunday showdown. The measure will protect 37,000 acres in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, the first increase in 25 years. While the bill was bi-partisan, there was plenty of wrangling. "Today is a great day for America's public lands,'' said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-New Mexico. "This big, bipartisan package of bills represents years of work by senators from many states, and both parties, in cooperation with local communities, to enhance places that make America so special," Bingham said. The bill's chief opponent, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Oklahoma, complained about the cost of the bill, that it prevented development of oil and gas on federal lands, which he said would deepen the nation's dependence on foreign oil. "By voting to protect mountains and pristine wildlands, Congress is starting out on the right foot," said Christy Goldfuss of Environment America, an advocacy group. "This Congress is serious about protecting the environment and the outstanding lands that Americans treasure," she said.

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