Press Release
Rep. Bera Condemns the Trump Administration’s Decision to Open Millions of Acres of California Desert to Mining
Washington, DC,
February 12, 2018
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07) released the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would open up 1.3 million acres of public land to mining, reversing President Obama's efforts to protect those lands: "After opening up California's coastline to offshore drilling, the Trump administration has launched yet another attack on our state's economy and environment. California has the best National Parks and public lands in the country. This decision threatens dozens of communities and unique ecosystems – not to mention southern California's tourism and recreational economies. Instead of protecting these amazing public spaces, the Trump administration seems determined to roll back environmental protections anyway they can. The California desert plan was developed with years of study to create certainty for all kinds business while preserving our public lands. That plan also helps America move towards a clean energy future that creates jobs and protects the planet for our children and grandchildren. Why would we throw that away? I urge the administration to reconsider their decision and to stop needless attacks on California residents." ### |