WASHINGTON (February 12, 2008) For two years, Congressman Ben Chandler and Congressman Ric Keller (R-8th-FL) have taken the lead in the House of Representatives to reject the President’s proposal to sell our National Forests as a way to fund programs in the budget. This year’s budget is the first in years that does not include a proposal to sell off forest acreage.
“Congressman Ric Keller and I fought hard to keep the President from selling off our federal lands,” said Congressman Chandler. “With this year’s budget proposal, our forests no longer appear to be in danger from this particular threat.”
“It may have taken a few years for the bureaucrats in Washington to get the message that our National Forests are not for sale, but it’s a message both Republicans and Democrats in Congress agree upon,” said Congressman Keller. “Rest assured we will lead that fight again if our forests are ever threatened in the years ahead.”
Last year, the President proposed selling off up to 273,000 acres of National Forest land to pay for a four year extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The Secure Rural Schools program was created to provide financial assistance to rural school districts that historically relied on revenue from timber harvests on federal lands. Included in the President’s previous proposal was the sale of 3,800 acres of Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest.
“The President has finally realized that Congress should not be forced to choose between funding for our schools and preserving federally-protected lands,” said Chandler. “I hope we can continue to work together to protect our nation’s natural treasures and teach future generations this important lesson in stewardship while working to find alternative, responsible funding sources for our rural schools.”
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