[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 130 (Friday, September 27, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    H.R. 1526, RESTORING HEALTHY FORESTS FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES ACT

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                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2013

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Port Angeles--a town whose 
lifeblood was the timber industry. As the local economy suffered, I 
watched as my friends' parents lost their jobs. This experience 
motivated me to pursue a career in economic development to help 
communities and families get back on their feet.
   I came to the House of Representatives to fight for hard-working 
families across our region. I know just how hard our communities have 
been hit by the changes in the timber industry. It is important to me 
that we get folks back to work and strengthen rural communities.
   With that in mind, I'm supportive of finding ways to sustainably 
increase harvest levels and increase the health of our forests. In 
fact, I'm a Co-Chair of the Healthy Forests Caucus here in the House.
   Unfortunately, I have serious concerns over certain aspects of H.R. 
1526, the Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act. This 
legislation would undermine core environmental laws, reduce 
opportunities for stakeholder input and pathways to consensus, and 
leave our region without a legitimate plan to help us adequately 
balance multiple forest uses.
   The region I represent has some of the most pristine land and waters 
in our country. Protecting our resources while balancing the needs of 
resource-dependent communities and industries has been an issue my 
region has struggled with for decades.
   Since taking office, I have been working closely with both sides of 
this issue. I am firmly convinced that we can protect forest health and 
get people back to work.
   I do not believe bypassing the National Environmental Protection Act 
(NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act as laid out in H.R. 1526 is the 
only way--or even the best way-- to do this.
   Setting harvest levels by legislative mandate rather than by sound 
science sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to the destruction of 
long and hard fought agreements throughout the country.
   These decisions must be made with scientific analysis and 
stakeholder involvement. The approach H.R. 1526 takes does not 
encourage consensus around federal land management and does not promote 
a path to a mutually agreeable resolution. H.R. 1526 would only further 
root stakeholders in oppositional positions. We should pursue a path 
forward that will reduce lawsuits. I want to see more work for folks in 
the timber industry--not more work for lawyers.
   Mr. Speaker, I commend the work the Committee Chair and Ranking 
Member have put into this bill, but must voice my opposition.

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