[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE MORRIS K. UDALL ACT OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 1997

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, it was with bittersweet pride that last week 
I once again introduced the Morris K. Udall Wilderness Act of 1997. I 
introduced this legislation in the last Congress and it was pushed 
aside--along with countless other environmental initiatives that were 
sensible, rational legislation--a victim of not just partisan 
bickering. That would be bad enough--but pushed aside because of 
powerful oil interests hell-bent on cashing in today while abandoning 
sound stewardship in their exploration and exploitation of fragile 
American natural treasures. This legislation is very much needed to 
provide permanent wilderness designation and protection for a 
magnificent and special place, the coastal plain of the Arctic National 
Wildlife Refuge.
  The Arctic Refuge coastal plain is a unique ecosystem, long 
recognized for its rich biological diversity. Today over 200 species of 
wildlife depend on the coastal plain for survival. Muskoxen, wolves, 
polar and grizzly bears, and countless complex fauna and flora create a 
web of life unlike any other place on Earth. The coastal plain is 
perhaps best known as the home of the 160,000 member Porcupine Caribou 
herd, which migrates there for calving and post-calving each year. In 
reality, this Arctic desert landscape is a 20th century window to the 
ice age, referred to as the North American Serengeti.
  I have worked on issues affecting Alaska for a long time. One of my 
first assignments in Congress was to serve on the Alaska Lands 
Subcommittee with then Chairman Mo Udall and John Seiberling. Over a 4-
year period, Congress debated the appropriate disposition, designation  
and use of Federal lands in Alaska. We frankly lost some debates and 
designations and won the preservation of magnificent areas constituting 
our North American natural legacy.

  The final version of H.R. 39, signed into law by President Carter, is 
one of the most significant pieces of environmental law ever enacted. 
While this legislation protected many of Alaska's unique resources, the 
final disposition of the Arctic Refuge was left with limited 
safeguards, but not permanently resolved. While the House of 
Representatives strongly supported wilderness designation, the final 
compromise has left open the possibility of further exploration and 
development in this fragile area.
  For the past 16 years the coastal plain, or 1002 lands, has been in a 
twilight zone enjoying the status of wilderness without the full force 
and protection of the law. The failure to designate the coastal plain 
as wilderness has haunted us and placed this unique ecosystem at risk. 
In the last Congress, some of my colleagues supported opening the 
refuge to oil exploration as a means of raising revenue to balance the 
budget. We must put this destructive policy path behind us. We must 
protect this jewel of our national refuge system.
  This wilderness designation is under attack from a host of special 
interests. Instead of considering the potentially catastrophic 
environmental consequences of oil drilling in the coastal plain, they 
are looking to pad their already bulging wallets with short-term 
profits. In short, they are seeking instant gratification at the 
sacrifice of our children's natural legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, the choices in this debate are quite clear. We can save, 
or we can destroy. We can protect, or we can plunder. We can choose to 
listen to the majority of the American people who oppose the 
devastation of this special place, or we can choose to irresponsibly 
give heed to the fortunate few. I choose to save; I choose to protect; 
and I choose to listen to the American people, who want to provide true 
wilderness protection for the Arctic Refuge.

  Protecting the environment through policy and law is a topic and 
craft that Mo Udall knows a lot about, and serving with him was a 
distinct pleasure and honor. Chairman Udall was dedicated to preserving 
our Nation's crown jewels for future generations. He worked seriously, 
but always had a knack for making his points with wit and poignancy. In 
talking about the Alaska Land Legislation, Mo spoke eloquently to all 
Americans: ``Not in our generation, nor ever again, will we have a land 
and wildlife opportunity approaching the scope and importance of this 
one. In terms of wilderness preservation, Alaska is the last frontier. 
This time, given one great final chance, let us strive to do what is 
right.''
  We couldn't do better than to honor Chairman Udall with this 
designation that he fought so hard to put in place. The American 
reservoir of values, vision and inspiration that Mo Udall evoked will 
be enlisted today as Congress once again acts to determine the fate of 
the Artic Refuge.
  I urge my colleagues to support this effort. We should end this 
debate and send an important message to the people we represent: we are 
listening. We will not auction off your natural legacy to powerful 
special interests. We will follow Mo's wise counsel and do it right, 
for now and for our children.

                          ____________________