[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 80 (Monday, June 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILD HERITAGE WILDERNESS ACT INTRODUCTION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 17, 2002

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Southern 
California Wild Heritage Wilderness Act of 2002.
  During the last 20 years, 675,000 acres of unprotected wilderness--
approximately the size of Yosemite National Park--have lost their 
wilderness character due to activities such as logging, mining and 
development. We cannot let this destruction of our most precious 
resources continue unchecked!
  This groundbreaking legislation will preserve about 1.6 million acres 
of Southern California wilderness for generations to come.
  As a child, my family did not have the financial resources to travel 
to expensive, vacation spots. But my family's best memories are from 
family outings to the Azusa canyon in our local National Forest. This 
is where we learned to appreciate the world around us. We were 
fortunate enough to be able to travel a few miles to enjoy the great 
outdoors at the foothills of the Angeles National Forest.
  Families like mine continue to use Federal lands to vacation, hike, 
swim and appreciate nature. As this relationship grows, so does our 
concern about the future of our precious lands. People, regardless of 
race or income, are overwhelmingly concerned about our natural 
resources.
  The community I represent is 60% Latino and 30% Asian. We have one of 
the highest unemployment rates in the country. One might think that our 
main concern is putting food on the table. But with 3 Superfund sites, 
17 gravel pits, and 2 rivers that resemble sewer channels, our concerns 
are many--and especially the environment!
  My community's interest is not unusual. Studies show that 96% of 
Latinos believe that the environment should be an important priority 
for this country. And this statistic isn't just confined to Hispanics. 
African Americans, Native Americans, Caucasians, Asian Americans--we 
all care about the environment.
  In the coming decades, the population of California is expected to 
skyrocket. In Los Angeles alone, population growth estimates predict 
that the number of people will at least double. According to the 
University of Southern California's Sustainable Cities Program, 3 to 4 
acres of open or green space are needed per 1000 people for a healthy 
environment. In my urban area, there is less then \1/2\ acre per 1000 
people. This is a nation-wide trend.
  With more people and less space, we have to start planning so that we 
don't look around one day and realize that all we see is concrete 
buildings, congested highways and smoggy cities. We have to plan for 
environmental preservation now so that our natural resources are not 
destroyed by carelessness and over-development.
  The Southern California Wild Heritage Wilderness bill will put us on 
the right track so that our environment is not the victim of our 
population but growth, a managed approach which respects communities 
and open space.
  This bill will also give working families an opportunity to enjoy and 
learn about the environment. It will provide the open space needed to 
create a safe haven where people can get away from the city, the smog, 
the noise, and the daily hazards of urban life to experience nature and 
enjoy quality time with family and friends.
  These lands also hold a lot of cultural value. This bill will protect 
sacred lands of California's Native American Tribes.
  This bill will honor our natural resources--our forest, streams, 
lakes, and wildlife.
  I am pleased to be a part of this effort and look forward to 
protecting our natural resources for generations to come.

                          ____________________