WASHINGTON - Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) concluded a field tour of the Intermountain West, highlighting critical issues including oil and natural gas production, forest management, wildlife habitat conservation and more. During the tour, Westerman visited several committee members' districts, including U.S. Reps. Blake Moore (R-Utah), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.).

"The policy we make in D.C. must accurately reflect the realities of what's happening on the ground," Westerman said. "To that end, it's imperative we continue listening to folks in communities most impacted by these policies, and there's no better way to do that than by meeting them in person. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to travel around the West this week and meet with several committee members and their constituents, hearing directly from them about how we can effectively legislate on their behalf. From scientific forest management in action to safe, reliable energy production, it was great to see these projects firsthand and learn more about their operations. Thank you for having me!"

"I was honored to show Ranking Member Westerman some of what and who makes Utah’s First District so special," Moore said. "We discussed some of the most pressing issues facing our lands, such as our ongoing drought, forest and habitat health, energy production and transmission, and more. The Natural Resources Committee’s efforts will play an important role in addressing these challenges, and I thank the Ranking Member for visiting Utah and for his great leadership."

"I’m glad to host Ranking Member Westerman in New Mexico’s Second District, as we connect with Americans who live and work on the land, exploring new ways to enhance forestry efforts and develop our precious natural resources," Herrell said.

"Forest management is a pillar of rural communities," Boebert said. "I’m grateful Ranking Member Westerman drove through the night to come out and see the mill in Montrose firsthand and visit with the local community. Extremist attacks have reduced the number of sawmills in the United States from 1,311 in 1995 to just over 200 today. I’m proud of our timber industry, and since 2012, Montrose Forest Products has invested over $42 million into the mill and our local economy. Their important work helps manage our forests responsibly, and 40% of the lumber they currently process is beetle-killed. My Active Forest Management, Wildfire Prevention and Community Protection Act supports mills and local counties by increasing the amount of board feet harvested per year from public lands. My bill harnesses the power of private industry to improve forest health, protect the environment, reinvest in rural communities, and prevent wildfires."

Background

Westerman began the tour around Salt Lake City, Utah, where he and Moore visited energy facilities, critical wildlife habitats, shared stewardship projects and more. 

He then traveled to Grand Junction, Colo., with Boebert, where they toured several sites to see forest management in action and discuss ongoing wildfire mitigation tactics.

Westerman concluded the field tour with Herrell in Mescalero, N.M., visiting a tribal forestry project and later attending an oil and natural gas roundtable with local stakeholders.
 
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