[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E603-E604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF RAY PETERSEN'S DECADES OF REMARKABLE PUBLIC SERVICE 
                                TO UTAH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CURTIS

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 1, 2020

  Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Ray Petersen on 
a remarkable career of indispensable service to the great State of 
Utah. By virtue of Ray's enduring commitment to overseeing proper land 
management practices, Emery County flourishes with beauty and 
opportunity. The residents of Emery County, and the countless visitors 
who enjoy the region, have Ray to thank for his 18 years as Emery 
County's Public Lands Administrator, and his lifetime of public service 
to rural Utah.
  Ray has dedicated his career to addressing critical rural issues. As 
a fourth-generation

[[Page E604]]

resident of Emery County, Ray understands well the challenges facing 
rural communities and the profound impact that federal, state, and 
local policy decisions have on the livelihoods of so many. In his role 
as Emery County Public Lands Administrator, Ray was consequential in 
assisting policymakers--from the county commission to the federal 
government--reconcile differences and find solutions for the county's 
land management, whose expansive plans fall heavily under state and 
federal domain.
  Sustained opportunity and access to Emery County's lands are 
paramount for its economic vitality, particularly to its agriculture, 
recreation and tourism industries, and its local mining, gas and oil 
development. Ray has helped these key local industries navigate the 
challenges and opportunities of land management issues, to find 
compromise and success.
  A fitting final accomplishment to his career, Ray was instrumental in 
helping Utah's congressional delegation secure a victory for Emery 
County and the state's public lands as the Emery County Public Lands 
Management Act was signed into law. This legislation marked the 
culmination of years of collaboration and cooperation with local 
partners and officials, ensuring ongoing uses will be enjoyed in Emery 
County without fear of a potential national monument designation from 
D.C., and consolidation of Utah trust lands that will generate millions 
in revenue for our school kids. It also included long-sought local land 
transfers to meet city government needs while expanding Goblin Valley 
State Park, a truly unique place that will now be better managed for 
future generations.
  Ray Petersen has championed rural lands issues of extraordinary 
significance to Utah throughout his esteemed career. Our great state 
owes him a debt of gratitude for three decades of selfless public 
service. I thank Ray.

                          ____________________