Haaland Public Lands Bills Clear First Hurdles in Subcommittees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, two bills introduced by Congresswoman Deb Haaland cleared their first hurdles in House subcommittees.  The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act was heard in the House National Parks, Forests and Public Lands subcommittee and the Buffalo Tract Protection Act was heard in the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee. Both bills now move to the full committee for consideration. 

During the SOAR Act subcommittee hearing, Matt Baker-White of Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, a New Mexico based outdoor recreation nonprofit that provides educational wilderness expeditions and outdoor programs, provided insight on the bill’s importance to New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy. 

Currently, permitting processes create barriers for folks who wish to enjoy the outdoors.  The SOAR Act would reduce the burden and costs associated with the permitting processes to enable individuals, families and youth groups the opportunity to enjoy America’s wilderness and backcountry under the supervision and care of outfitters and guides. The SOAR Act aims to make outdoor recreation more accessible to everyone by streamlining the permitting process for outfitters, educational organizations, and community groups.

>>>WATCH: Haaland’s SOAR Act in House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

At the Buffalo Tract Protection Act subcommittee hearing, Haaland shared the community’s concerns stating, “Local residents and leaders have deep concerns about the impacts of additional mining on public health, cultural heritage, and wildlife.”

Haaland introduced the Buffalo Tract Protection Act to address the local Placitas community’s concerns about the negative impacts of a proposed gravel mine in the area. The bill will withdraw four parcels of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, including the Buffalo Tract and the Crest of Montezuma, from any mineral development, including gravel mining.

>>>WATCH: Haaland’s Buffalo Tract Protection Act in Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich is sponsor of the U.S. Senate version of each bill.