Spectator NZ

Source: United States Senator for Maryland Chris Van Hollen

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

06.06.23

Cantwell Leads Legislation to Permanently Preserve Pristine National Forest Lands

Bill would codify Roadless Rule, which protects almost 60 million acres of America’s last remaining wild forestlands, including 2 million acres in the State of Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D, AZ-03) and many other members of Congress from both chambers in announcing a renewed push to enshrine the U.S. Forest Service’s Roadless Rule protections into law.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2023 would permanently protect 58.5 million acres of national forest from logging and development—more than 31 percent of America’s National Forest System—including the South Quinault Ridge in Northwest Washington, the Dark Divide in Southwest Washington, the Kettle Range in Northeast Washington, and much of the Methow Valley Headwaters in Central Washington.

“Mounting climate impacts have increased the need to protect America’s last remaining wild forestlands, which reduce wildland fire risk and store huge amounts of carbon,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Roadless areas provide Washingtonians with unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities, clean drinking water for our communities, and habitat for numerous endangered species. We need to redouble our efforts to permanently preserve the benefits these public lands provide our nation and future generations.”

For two decades, the Roadless Rule, which has shielded some of the most pristine and treasured areas within the National Forest System from roadbuilding and logging, has been attacked in the courts and weakened by some Administrations. The Roadless Area Conservation Act would codify the 2001 Roadless Rule, which was developed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) during the Clinton Administration and finalized after several years of deliberation and 600 public meetings in local communities nationwide, including 28 hearings in Washington state. More than 2.5 million Americans submitted comments on the Roadless Forest Protection Rule, and more than 80,000 comments came from citizens in Washington state. The overwhelming majority of comments submitted—more than 95%—were in support of protecting roadless areas. A March 2019 poll by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that three out of four respondents said they supported keeping roadless forest protections, while only 16% oppose it. That level of support changed little between respondents living in rural or non-rural areas and across party affiliation and political views. 

Over the past two decades, the Roadless Rule has prevailed over numerous court challenges and administrative and legislative attacks. The Trump administration weakened the rule, and in October 2020 the administration removed roadless protections for over 9 million acres of pristine forest lands in the Tongass National Forest, threatening old-growth forest and southeast Alaska’s robust tourism and fishing economies. Under the Biden administration, the protections in the Tongass have been restored.

By codifying the rule into law—including in the Tongass—the Roadless Area Conservation Act would uphold recreational access to public lands, preserve the habitats of 1,600 at-risk species, reduce the risk of wildfires, aid in the fight against climate change by preserving vast carbon sinks, and safeguard watersheds that provide clean drinking water for more than 60 million Americans in 39 states and more than 350 communities across the United States. The legislation would maintain the flexibility engrained in the Roadless Rule which allows for continued forest management and the construction of roads as needed to address fires, floods, or other catastrophic events, and other circumstances like the need to build new road connections between remote communities.

“Preserving our national forests provides numerous benefits, from combating climate change to supporting the tourism economy, reducing wildfire risk, and protecting clean water,” said Rep. Gallego. “By making the Roadless Rule permanent through my legislation, we can ensure future generations can continue to reap these benefits.” 

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2023 would:

• Protect, in perpetuity, 58.5 million acres of roadless national forest in 39 states;
• Ensure the more than 240 million people living within 100 miles of a national forest or national grassland retain access to opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing;
• Safeguard watersheds in national forests and roadless areas that provide clean drinking water for over 60 million Americans;
• Save taxpayers millions of dollars by limiting costly new road building, allow the Forest Service to focus on maintaining its existing 371,581-mile network of National Forest System roads, and reduce its multi-billion dollar backlog of deferred maintenance on its existing road system;
• Maintain exemptions for hydropower development, public safety, and firefighting needs;
• Uphold the 9th and 10th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals decisions, as well as a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in support of the Roadless Rule.

Senate cosponsors of the Roadless Area Conservation Act include Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The measure is also supported by a wide range of stakeholders including Alaska Natives, commercial fishermen, conservationists, small businesses, and climate advocates.

The measure is also supported by the Alaska Wilderness League, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, and The Wilderness Society.

“Our climate needs the certainty that temperate rainforests like the Tongass will remain intact, regardless of who sits in the White House in the coming decades,” said Alex Cohen, federal affairs director at Alaska Wilderness League Action. “The Roadless Rule in Alaska has been restored by this administration, and now it’s time to make the Roadless Rule the law of the land.  We thank Representative Gallego for introducing this important legislation.” 

“The Roadless Area Conservation Act would protect nearly 60 million acres of roadless national forest from harmful human development, and we are excited for its reintroduction in Congress,” said Mary Olive, Sr. Government Relations Representative at The Wilderness Society. “Roadless areas in our National Forests are critical for threatened wildlife species—57% of species of conservation concern have suitable habitat within an Inventoried Roadless Area. Additionally, these areas are vital for carbon storage, public health benefits, water quality, and recreation opportunities. It is imperative that we keep roadless forests intact if we want to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis, and we urge Congress to finally pass this legislation.”

“Our national forests are our best natural solutions for tackling the climate crisis and preserving biodiverse ecosystems,” said Earthjustice Senior Legislative Representative Blaine Miller-McFeeley. “Protecting them from reckless and unnecessary road construction and logging would conserve these incredible habitats and safeguard Indigenous communities that call our national forests home while allowing roadless forests to continue playing a critical role in fighting climate change. It’s time for Congress to pass this legislation and permanently protect some of our most wild and important forests from industry interests that threaten wildlife, outdoor recreation, water resources, and the traditional customs of Indigenous peoples.”

“Thank you to House and Senate leaders for their unwavering commitment to protecting our nation’s forests, including millions of acres here in Alaska,” said Nicole Whittington-Evans, Defenders of Wildlife’s Alaska Program Director. “Protecting America’s forests conserves critical habitat for imperiled species, helps keep our water and air clean, and mitigates climate change.”

“The Roadless Rule is the most significant forest conservation measure of the last two decades — period,” said Alex Craven, Acting Forest Campaign Manager at Sierra Club. “That significance has also made it a constant target by logging and development interests. Codifying this crucial rule would ensure it can continue to protect nearly 60 million acres of national forests for generations to come.” 

“If you care about clean drinking water, controlling climate change, preserving wildlife, or just enjoying natural beauty, you care a lot about national forest wildlands. This bill would secure 60 million acres of those public resources forever, ending years of political football and needless uncertainty over their fate,” said Niel Lawrence, senior attorney for the Nature program at NRDC.

“Gunalchéesh, thank you, to Representative Gallego, Senator Cantwell, and bill co-sponsors for reintroducing the Roadless Area Conservation Act (RACA) today. In working to ensure the Roadless Rule remains in place on the Tongass, this legislation moves our country a significant step forward in permanently safeguarding the lands of the Tongass National Forest, the traditional homelands of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples,” said Maranda Hamme, Tongass Forest Program Manager, Southeast Alaska Conservation Council.

Senator Cantwell has been the lead Senate champion of the Roadless Rule since it was overturned by the Bush Administration in 2001. Cantwell has repeatedly introduced legislation to codify the Roadless Rule into law, including as early as 2001. Cantwell was also a vociferous and persistent critic of the Trump administration’s elimination of roadless protections for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

06.06.23

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation would support coastal communities by fostering collaboration between different industries

Anchorage, AK – U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act (Ocean ROI Act), legislation that would require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a federal strategy for investing in the nation’s ocean-based economy with “Ocean Innovation Clusters” (ocean clusters).

Senator Murkowski is a strong supporter of Ocean Clusters, including Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation’s Startup Accelerator, which serves as a hub for private, public, and academic stakeholders to collaborate on opportunities to promote and enhance the maritime industry and blue economy.

Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) are original cosponsors of the legislation.

For text of the bill, click here.

“A strong blue economy will require strong coordination and creativity, and that’s why I’m leading this effort to invest in our ocean clusters and take advantage of the opportunities for innovation and collaboration,” said Sen. Murkowski, co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. “This effort doesn’t just focus on the untapped economic potential of our blue economy, but also ensures that collaboration is at the center of any conversation or effort to address the impacts of climate change on our coastal communities. By providing incentives and workspaces for Alaskans in maritime and maritime-adjacent industries, we can achieve real progress in strengthening the blue economy.”

“From protecting orcas from vessel noise, to transitioning to a carbon free future for our ports and maritime industry, Washington’s ocean cluster, called Maritime Blue, is working hard to solve complex challenges facing our economy. This bill would build on their success by creating a new grant program to fund ocean innovation clusters and grow Washington’s 30 billion dollar maritime economy,” said Sen. Cantwell.

“Miami’s beautiful coasts and pristine waters provide Florida with billions in tourism and commerce every year, and I am committed to preserving them for generations to come,” said Rep. Salazar. “I am proud to introduce legislation to promote Miami’s development and improve our environment through the sustainable use of our oceans. The blue economy and the opportunities it provides are growing, and the United States must keep pace with investments made by the global community. There is no better place to invest the best we have in research and technology than right here in South Florida.”

“Ocean clusters are at the center of innovation and entrepreneurship, and are key to building climate resilient, sustainable coastal economies. Now is the time for the federal government to invest in the Blue Economy so we can harness the great potential of waters across the country like the Gulf of Maine,” said Rep. Pingree, who is a member of the House Oceans Caucus. “Together, Senators Murkowski and Cantwell and Congresswoman Salazar and I represent some of the nation’s most pristine and valuable coastline; we understand the tremendous impact oceans have on our communities, our economy, and our daily lives. With our bicameral and bipartisan Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act, the U.S. can realize the full potential and value of our blue economy.”

“The funding authorized in this bipartisan legislation will support ocean innovation and development, creating new opportunities to build a sustainable future for our coastal communities across Maine and ensuring the vitality of our ocean industries,” said Sen. Collins.

“Oregon is a leader in seafood production and ocean innovation, and it’s important that coastal communities in my state and around the country have the resources needed to keep the environment and local economies thriving,” said Sen. Merkley. “Cluster initiatives—like the one here in Oregon—help coastal communities keep local seafood local, and support greater economic and environmental value with each catch while promoting strong human rights, job training, and more.”

“As America’s leading seafood producer and home to more coastline than the Lower 48 states combined, our oceans are a vital part of our state’s culture and economy,” said Senator Sullivan. “Ocean cluster centers in Alaska—the brainchild of the local fishing groups in Alaska—will create coalitions of public and private stakeholders to promote and enhance our state’s status as the superpower of seafood. I appreciate Senator Murkowski’s work on this important legislation and look forward to working with my colleagues to quickly pass it,” said Sen. Sullivan.

“For generations, Maine’s ocean innovators have pioneered new, sustainable economic development along our shores,” said Sen. King. “The bipartisan Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2023 would build on our long legacy of success and sustainability in fishing, aquaculture, and other maritime opportunities by backing efforts to bring together these fresh ideas that build on each other, for new opportunities across Maine’s iconic industries. I am grateful for my colleagues’ partnership on this important effort to promote and modernize Maine’s invaluable ocean economy.”

“The Ocean State is a leader in Blue Economy innovation,” said Sen. Whitehouse.  “Our bipartisan legislation will support the ocean economy’s continued growth and job creation by investing in coastal communities across the country.”

“Washington state’s maritime industries fuel local economies and create jobs for thousands of families across our state. Investing in ocean clusters including Washington’s own Maritime Blue will benefit coastal communities, advance our blue economy, and put us on a path towards a sustainable and thriving maritime industry—so I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of this bipartisan bill,”said Sen. Murray.

Specifically, the Ocean ROI Act would require the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the administrator of the U.S. Economic Development Agency, and in consultation with the administrator of NOAA, to designate at least one ocean cluster in each of the five domestic NOAA Fisheries regions and the Great Lakes region, ensuring that at least one cluster is designated in Alaska. The bill would also create grants for cluster operation and administration and one-time capital investments for physical infrastructure.

“For Alaskans in coastal communities who live and work on the water, the blue economy is essential to our livelihoods. The ocean provides us with food, transportation and recreation.  As we learn more about the ocean and apply improved technologies, we see new opportunities in the ocean including expanded food cultivation, energy production, adaptation and mitigation of climate change, among others.  The Ocean ROI Act is a key that will unlock the potential for Alaskans to benefit from these new opportunities,” said Julie Decker, Executive Director of the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation.

“The Innovation Cluster model is a critical component to achieving our nation’s goals to implement the Ocean Climate Action Plan. In order to accelerate innovation, sustainability, and an equitable just transition we need formal mechanisms to collaborate between industry, government, research institutions, and communities. These are established and successful models that we can effectively scale to activate capital, create jobs, and support community resilience,” said Joshua Berger Founder & President/CEO, Washington Maritime Blue. “Washington Maritime Blue was established in 2018 to implement Washington State’s Strategy for the Blue Economy. Collectively we’ve grown our membership to include more than 135 critical stakeholders and partners working together to convene for new markets, demonstrate and commercialize technology, foster a startup ecosystem, and support equitable career pathways.  Together, we’ve deployed more than $500 million in investment and created more than 500 jobs in our region. We are poised for growth and further impact as we work closely with a national and global coalition of cluster partners.”

“The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act is an important catalyst for economic development and job creation. Prior to 2019, the blue economy was not measured by the federal government, but we now know it is growing faster than the overall economy and represents an important area of technological advancement across a spectrum of industries. It has been often said that we know more about outer space than we do about our own oceans. It is imperative that the United States lead in the sustainable development of ocean and water-based industries to leverage our abundant natural resources and benefit the many communities that depend on our oceans and inland aquatic resources,” said Justin Sternberg Director, Alaska Blue Economy Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks. “Over the past two decades, the model for ocean technological innovation has been proven, both in the United States and abroad. Foreign governments have long recognized this opportunity and invested to grow their economies by supporting the interface of industry, academia, and government. However, in the United States we are still at an early stage in this development and the true growth potential lies before us and for future generations. The oceans have sustained life for billions of years. It is time to unlock their potential through the advent of digital technologies that will enable their exploration in ways only dreamed of before, through community-based support for the fishermen and aquatic farmers that provide an abundance of seafood and low-trophic protein for our nation, and through a myriad of technological innovations that will fundamentally change our understanding in areas such as medicine, energy, and economic opportunities. There are many jobs, as yet unrealized, waiting to be created in this space and it is time to invest in their development for future generations.”

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Joe Manchin

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Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Alma Adams (D-NC), and Jim McGovern (D-MD) introduced the bicameral Office of Small Farms Establishment Act, legislation to create a new Office of Small Farms at the US Department of Agriculture. The Office would directly serve small farmers with grants and technical assistance and ensure that all USDA programs are designed to meet the needs of small farmers.

Small acreage farms—those with fewer than 180 acres—make up 70 percent of all farms in the US and are vital to rural economic growth, food security, and local food supply chains. They also produce more value per acre than large farms. Despite their substantial contributions to the U.S. economy, they only receive 12 percent of federal payments to farms. USDA programs should serve all farmers equally, but they often favor large-scale operations. This can be traced to staff shortages, program design, and resource gaps that disadvantage small farms.  

For instance, only 7 percent of small farms currently utilize crop insurance, demonstrating the program’s limitations for these operations. Additionally, programs such as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) fail to account for the higher prices small farms receive for selling directly to consumers or producing specialized products. These barriers, along with a lack of financial resources and limited time, make it difficult for farms conducting smaller-acreage operations to access essential USDA support.

To address these issues and ensure equitable access to USDA programs for small farms, the Office of Small Farms Establishment Act proposes the creation of an Office of Small Farms within the USDA. This office would serve as a central hub for small farms, ranches, and forest operations, providing them with comprehensive support and enabling them to benefit from available USDA programs. The Office would issue grants to small farmers, provide technical assistance, recommend improvements to service delivery to small farmers in programs throughout the USDA, and provide a hotline for farmers to report issues with accessing USDA programs. This proposal would make USDA programs more accessible and beneficial to small farms, which would help the Department fulfill its mission, help small farmers thrive, and strengthen the food system for everyone.

“Small farms are the heart and soul of our agricultural landscape, contributing to our economy, food security, and the resilience of our local food supply chains,” said Senator Booker. “It’s time we do more to ensure that all farmers, regardless of the size of their farms, have equitable access to the support they need to flourish. This bill will create an office dedicated to serving the needs of small farmers and helping them access USDA services including loans, technical assistance, and critical conservation programs. We must build a future where even the smallest farm has equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to a sustainable and thriving food system.”

“Nearly 90% of all farms in Washington state and the vast majority of farms in the U.S. are operated by small, family farmers, but too often they lack the operational support to take full advantage of the grants and assistance programs offered by USDA,”said Representative Strickland. “TheOffice of Small Farms Establishment Actwould ensure the resilience of the country’s food systems, invest in minority-owned farms that are often left behind, and recognize the challenges facing small farms today.”

“Almost 2 million farms and ranches in the United States are operated by small family farmers,”said Representative Adams, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee.“The Office of Small Farms Establishment Act would empower these famers with the tools they need to make the most of USDA’s grant and assistance programs. Small family farms often lack the resources to apply for the very programs that could help them the most, and historically underserved farmers are more likely to operate their farms at a smaller scale. I’m proud to join my colleagues in sponsoring the Office of Small Farms Establishment Act in order to preserve our shrinking family farmland, and preserve our sources of food, nourishment, and agriculture far into the future. All North Carolina farmers – rural and urban; small, medium, and large – deserve better than a one-size-fits-all approach.”

“Massachusetts is home to over 7,000 farms—and small farms are our agricultural backbone,” said Representative McGovern. “Every farm ought to have access to the same resources and support no matter their scale. The Office of Small Farms would partner closely with small farmers to help them learn about USDA programs and apply for grants. When every farm is given what they need to succeed, we grow closer to building more resilient local food systems for all Americans.”

Key functions of the Office of Small Farms would include assessing the specific needs of small operations, evaluating the effectiveness of the USDA at serving small farms, and recommending improvements to USDA program policies, design, and delivery. The office would also facilitate direct technical assistance and grants of up to $25,000 for equipment, uninsured losses, business planning assistance, conservation practice adoption, and down payments for land. In addition, an anonymous hotline would be established to enable small-scale operations to report challenges they face in accessing USDA assistance.

The legislation proposes an annual budget of $25 million to carry out these essential functions, with $15 million allocated for the operation of the Office and $10 million dedicated to technical assistance and grants for small-scale operations.

“Small farms play an outsized role in increasing the resilience of our food systems and our nation’s food security, but they do not always receive the support they need from the federal government,” said Tim Fink, Policy Director for American Farmland Trust. “This bill is about ensuring equitable access to the full range of essential support that Congress and USDA already provide to producers through Farm Bill programs. An Office of Small Farms would empower USDA to better examine its programs and delivery systems through the lens of those too often left out. We applaud Senator Booker and Representatives Strickland, Adams, and McGovern for working to level the playing field and ensure that this critical taxpayer support reaches all farmers.”

“Small farms are the drivers of our rural economy,” said Darin Von Ruden, Wisconsin Farmers Union President and 50 cow organic dairy farmer. “Wisconsin’s local and regional supply chains contribute greatly to US food security. Small-scale farms face unique pressures and stressors trying to compete in this consolidated industry. This bill would provide the much needed support to help the USDA achieve their goal of providing the essential support to helping producers of all sizes succeed.” 

“It’s high-time that small farms have the same access to USDA funding and programs as their large-scale counterparts,” said Hannah Tremblay, Farm Aid’s Policy & Advocacy Manager. “Farm Aid strongly endorses the Office of Small Farms Establishment Act of 2023, which would enable a wider range of producers access to USDA research, direct technical assistance, and resources. Small, family-run farms are the backbone of rural America and an essential component of our food system; they deserve to be supported in the same way as large-scale, industrial agriculture and this bill is a good first step in that direction.”

A list of endorsing organizations can be found here.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito