And here is some good news! I watched part of this debate today but missed the votes. Posted by Jane Clark FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 21, 2001 CONTACT: Wendy Balazik, 202-675-2383 SIERRA CLUB LAUDS CONGRESS FOR REJECTING PRESIDENT'S PLANS TO DRILL, MINE WILDLANDS Representatives Defend Our Protected National Monuments, Fragile Coastlines and Other Special Places from Destruction Washington: The Sierra Club praised Members of the House of Representatives for voting to protect our National Monuments, coastlines and other special places from destructive oil drilling and mining. In votes today on the U.S. Interior Department budget, the Members rejected President Bush's plans to open up public lands to destructive development. "Our national monuments and public wildlands deserve full protection, not energy exploitation for private profit by the oil and mining industries," said Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. "Americans don't want oil drills looming off of our beaches or strip mines tearing up our favorite recreation spots. We want our National Monuments and wildlife refuges conserved for their beauty, wildlife and ability to rejuvenate the soul. Because these Members voted to block destruction, our children have a better chance to explore and enjoy America's public lands in their unspoiled glory." The House approved a series of amendments to the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (H.R. 2217) to safeguard these treasured landscapes from mineral leasing and oil exploration. In addition, the bill passed by the House blocked President Bush's request for funds related to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "We applaud those Representatives who stood up for all Americans and blocked efforts to destroy our National Monuments and coastlines. Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Reps. Rahall, Inslee and Jim Davis for leading this battle to protect our treasured landscapes for our families and for our future," continued Pope. Representative Nick Rahall's (D-WV) amendment, which passed by a vote of 242 to 173, protects National Monuments from oil and gas drilling and coal mining. The Bush Administration would open these special places to exploitation, despite public opinion research showing 68% of Americans oppose drilling in our National Monuments. Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA) introduced an amendment to protect communities from the environmental threats posed by hardrock mining. The Bush administration has proposed eliminating a regulation that: protects drinking water from arsenic, cyanide and mercury pollution caused by mining; gives land management agencies the power to deny permits for irresponsible activities; and forces mining companies to pay to clean up their pollution, rather than shifting their costs to taxpayers. The Inslee amendment, which ensures that these critical taxpayer and environmental safeguards are kept in place, passed by a vote of 216 to 194. Representative Jim Davis (D-FL) introduced an amendment to protect Florida's coasts from off-shore oil drilling. The Bush Administration is moving forward with the controversial leasing program off the Gulf Coast known as Lease Sale 181 but Rep. Davis' amendment prohibits unpopular and potentially damaging oil and gas drilling in this area. It passed by a vote of 247 to 164. # # # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]