[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILD HERITAGE WILDERNESS BILL

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Southern California 
Wild Heritage Wilderness Act. If enacted, this bill will protect 
approximately 1.6 million acres of land in California.
  The State of California has lost over 675,000 acres of California's 
wild lands since 1978. One can only predict that this harmful trend 
will continue as California's population is expected to explode. 
California is expected to gain 17.7 million more people by 2025--nearly 
the entire population of New York State. As the population rises, more 
development will take place. More development often means less open 
space and the destruction of precious lands. This bill will prevent 
that destruction.
  Thousands of diverse organizations, businesses, and others see the 
importance of this legislation and have given it their support. 
Additionally, hundreds of local elected officials have voiced support 
for the protection of their local areas.
  I am pleased to be a part of this effort and look forward to working 
with Senator Boxer and Congressman Thompson to spearhead this effort 
and protect our natural resources.

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