[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 172 (Sunday, November 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                H.R. 1964 THE HIGHLANDS CONSERVATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
1964, the Highlands Conservation Act, introduced by my colleague, Mr. 
Rodney Frelinghuysen.
  I am very pleased to be an original cosponsor of the Highlands 
Conservation Act, which is an important step forward in our ongoing 
effort to save New Jersey's precious open space and enhance the quality 
of life for residents. New Jersey is the most densely populated State 
in the Nation, which is why it is so important that we think ahead and 
recognize the importance of preserving our remaining acres of open 
space. By protecting the 2 million acres of the Highlands, which extend 
through our neighboring states as well, we are creating an 
environmental legacy for future generations, safeguarding our area's 
drinking water, and ensuring that our children and our children's 
children have places to explore and opportunities to enjoy the great 
outdoors.
  The Highlands Conservation Act is a testament to the foresight of the 
bill's author, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, who recognizes the 
importance of saving New Jersey's open space. I have seen Congressman 
Frelinghuysen's commitment to the preservation of undeveloped acres 
firsthand as a colleague of his on the House Appropriations Committee. 
He worked in a bipartisan fashion to garner support for his measure. 
Congressman Frelinghuysen's leadership to protect the Highlands will 
truly help New Jersey live up to its namesake as the Garden State.
  Getting Congress to authorize $100 million for the preservation of 
the Highlands would be a victory for our quality of life and the 
environment, but also a victory for New Jersey's taxpayers who will be 
spared from having to pay for the full cost of these preservation 
efforts. I am pleased that I was able to help get this bill onto the 
floor today and I look forward to working with Congressman 
Frelinghuysen on the Appropriations Committee to preserve New Jersey's 
open space.

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