2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Designating 1.5 Million Acres Of Federal
Lands As Wilderness Areas And 1,200 River Miles As Wild, Scenic Or
Recreational Rivers. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the
Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "designate nearly 1.5 million
acres of federal lands in California, Colorado, and Washington as new,
expanded, or potential wilderness areas -- including approximately
626,000 acres in California, approximately 733,000 acres in Colorado and
approximately 132,000 acres in Washington -- and designate more than
1,200 river miles in Northern California and the Washington Olympic
Peninsula as wild, scenic or recreational rivers." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 227-200. [House Vote
45, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
803]
Democrats Argued That H.R. 803 Would Strive To Protect Wilderness
And Public Lands For Future Generations While Simultaneously
Tackling Greenhouse Gas Emissions. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "The package (HR 803) includes eight bills covering land
and water in Arizona, Colorado, California and Washington. Democrats
described the bills as a way of protecting places of natural beauty
for future generations while also combating greenhouse gas
emissions." [Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21]
H.R. 803 Would Aid In Reaching The Biden Administration's "Goal Of
Conserving 30% Of U.S. Lands And Waters By 2030" By Placing
Protections On Precious Natural Resources And Recreational
Activities While Also Creating Jobs. According to Congressional
Quarterly, "A statement of administration policy described the
legislation as consistent with the goal of conserving 30 percent of
U.S. lands and waters by 2030. The legislation 'puts in place
protections for some of our nation's most iconic natural and
cultural resources and safeguards recreational opportunities for the
benefit of current and future generations, while creating jobs and
investing in the recreation economy,' according to the statement."
[Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21]
The Bill Would Seek To Preserve Land And Water In Arizona,
Colorado, California And Washington State. According to The Hill,
"The House on Friday passed a sprawling conservation bill 227-200
aimed at preserving land and water in Arizona, Colorado, California
and Washington state." [The Hill,
2/26/21]
The Bill Would Protect An Additional 1.5 Million Acres Of Federal
Lands By Designating Them As Wilderness Areas. According to The
Hill, "The bill aims to provide extra protection to about 1.5
million acres of public lands by designating them as wilderness."
[The Hill,
2/26/21]
The Bill Would Protect 1,000 River Miles By Designating Them Under
The National Wild And Scenic Rivers System. According to The Hill,
"It would also prevent new oil, gas and mineral extraction on more
than 1.2 million acres of public land and preserve 1,000 river miles
by adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System." [The
Hill,
2/26/21]
According To Congressman Joe Neguse Of Colorado, The Bill Would
Protect Public Land, Better Access To Clean Water, Air, Outdoor
Recreation, And Support Job And Economic Growth. According to The
Hill, "'Each title of this bill considers how best to protect public
lands and provide for local considerations. Together, they will
improve access to clean water, clean air, outdoor recreation and
yes, they will even support jobs and our economy,' said Rep. Joe
Neguse (D-Colo.) during a floor speech on Thursday." [The Hill,
2/26/21]
Opponents Of The Bill Complained The Legislation Did Not Undergo
The Traditional Committee Process And Claimed It Would Limit Access
To Activities. According to The Hill, "However, opponents lamented
that the legislation didn't go through the committee process and
also said it would limit access to certain activities." [The Hill,
2/26/21]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Designating Over 1.2 Millions Acres Of
Californian Federal Lands As Restoration, Recreation And Other Protected
Areas. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the Protecting
America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "designate over 1.2 million acres of additional
federal lands in California as restoration, recreation, and other
protected areas." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by
a vote of 227-200. [House Vote 45,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Protecting America's
Wilderness And Public Lands Act. In February 2021, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "motion to recommit
the bill to the House Natural Resources Committee." The vote was on a
motion to recommit. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 204-221.
[House Vote 44, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Designate 30.8
Miles Of The York River As A Recreational River. In February 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted for the en bloc amendments no. 1 to the Protecting
America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "designate approximately 30.8 miles of the York
River in Maine as a recreational river." The vote was on the adoption of
amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 229-198.
[House Vote 41, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.
11;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Add 1,000 Acres To
The Rough Mountain Wilderness Area In Virginia. In February 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted for the en bloc amendments no. 1 to the Protecting
America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "add approximately 1,000 acres to the Rough
Mountain Wilderness Area in Virginia." The vote was on the adoption of
amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 229-198.
[House Vote 41, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.
11;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Protecting America's
Wilderness And Public Lands Act. In February 2021, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted against the "adoption of the
rule (H Res 147) that would provide for House floor consideration of the
Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act (HR 803[...] up
to one hour of general debate on HR 803; make in order floor
consideration of 29 amendments to HR 803; and provide for automatic
adoption of a Grijalva, D-Ariz., manager's amendment to HR 803. The
manager's amendment would make clarifying changes regarding the
boundaries of lands included in the new San Gabriel National Recreation
Area and administration of the expanded San Gabriel Mountains National
Monument in California." The vote was on the adoption of the rule. The
House adopted the rule by a vote of 218-208. [House Vote 35,
2/24/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/24/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
147]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Protecting America's
Wilderness And Public Lands Act. In February 2021, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted against the "motion to order
the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment)
on the rule (H Res 147) that would provide for House floor consideration
of the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act (HR
803[...] up to one hour of general debate on HR 803; make in order
floor consideration of 29 amendments to HR 803; and provide for
automatic adoption of a Grijalva, D-Ariz., manager's amendment to HR
803. The manager's amendment would make clarifying changes regarding
the boundaries of lands included in the new San Gabriel National
Recreation Area and administration of the expanded San Gabriel Mountains
National Monument in California." The vote was on a motion to order the
previous question. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 219-211.
[House Vote 34, 2/24/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/24/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
803;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
147]
2021: Fitzpatrick Effectively Voted Against The Protecting America's
Wilderness And Public Lands Act. In February 2021, according to
Congressional Quarterly, Fitzpatrick voted for the "Greene, R-Ga.,
motion to adjourn." The vote was on a motion to adjourn, thus delaying
the vote on H.R. 803. The House rejected the motion by a vote of
202-214. [House Vote 33,
2/24/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/24/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803;
Congressional Actions, H.Res.
147]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Reauthorizing The Cape Cod National
Seashore Advisory Commission For 10 Years. In February 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted for the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public
Lands Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"reauthorize the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission for 10
years." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of
227-200. [House Vote 45,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Reauthorize The
Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission For 10 Years. In
February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the en bloc amendments no. 1 to the
Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "reauthorize the Cape Cod National
Seashore Advisory Commission for 10 years." The vote was on the adoption
of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of 229-198.
[House Vote 41, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.
11;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Require
Counties To Approve Mineral Leasing Withdrawals In The Bill. In
February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc amendments no. 2 to
the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "require local counties to approve
any mineral leasing withdrawals in the bill." The vote was on the
adoption of amendments. The House rejected the amendments by a vote of
197-226. [House Vote 43,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
13;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Preserving Existing Rights And Usages On
Designated Lands, Including Low-Level Helicopter Operations And Military
High Altitude Training. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the
Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "preserve a number of existing
rights and usages on designated lands, such as low-level helicopter
operations and high altitude training by the military." The vote was on
passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 227-200. [House Vote
45, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Facilitating Environmental Remediation Of
Federal Lands And Waters In California Vandalized By Illegal Marijuana
Operations By Creating Public-Private Partnerships. In February 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted for the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public
Lands Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "establish
a public-private partnership -- made up of federal, state, and local
government officials, and private stakeholders -- to facilitate
environmental remediation of federal lands and waters in California
damaged by illegal marijuana operations." The vote was on passage. The
House passed the bill by a vote of 227-200. [House Vote 45,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Exempt Lands
From Various Congressional Districts From This Bill. In February 2021,
Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc amendments no. 2 to the Protecting
America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "exempt lands in a number of congressional
districts from the bill's provisions." The vote was on the adoption of
amendments. The House rejected the amendments by a vote of 197-226.
[House Vote 43, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.
13;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Postpone The
Mining Prohibition On Certain Federal Lands Until The Interior
Department Certifies The Lands Do Not Contain Geothermal Resources Or
Minerals, Besides Uranium. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against
the en bloc amendments no. 2 to the Protecting America's Wilderness and
Public Lands Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"postpone the bill's withdrawal of lands from eligibility for mining
and mineral leasing until the Interior Department determines that there
are no mineral or geothermal resources present in the lands to be
withdrawn, other than uranium." The vote was on the adoption of
amendments. The House rejected the amendments by a vote of 197-226.
[House Vote 43, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.
13;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Require A
Study To Determine Geothermal Resources In The Lands That Would Be
Prohibited From Mining Under This Bill. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick
voted against an amendment to the Protecting America's Wilderness and
Public Lands Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly,
"require the Interior Department, in consultation with the Energy and
Commerce departments, to conduct a study to determine whether lands that
would be withdrawn from mineral leasing eligibility under the bill
contain geothermal resources or minerals needed for battery storage,
renewable energy technology or electric vehicles." The vote was on the
adoption of an amendment. The House adopted the amendments by a vote of
229-198. [House Vote 42,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
12;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Designate Lahaina, Hawaii As A National
Heritage Area. In December 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for , according to
Congressional Quarterly, "would require the Interior Department, in
coordination with the County of Maui and in consultation with state and
local historical preservation officers, historical societies and tourism
offices, to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of
designating Lahaina in Maui County, Hawaii, as a National Heritage
Area." The House passed the bill by a vote of 378 to 25. [House Vote
481, 12/4/24;
Congressional Quarterly,
12/4/24; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
8219]
2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Expand The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River
Valley National Heritage Area. In December 2024, Fitzpatrick voted for
, according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended, that
would require the Interior Department, in consultation with state and
local historical preservation officers, historical societies and tourism
offices, to conduct a study assessing the feasibility and suitability of
incorporating the entirety of New York's Saratoga and Washington
counties into the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National
Heritage Area." The House passed the bill by a vote of 378 to 16.
[House Vote 480,
12/4/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 12/4/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
390]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Creating A System For Designation And
Management Of National Heritage Areas. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick
voted for the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which
would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "establish a formal system
for designation and management of National Heritage Areas." The vote was
on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 227-200. [House Vote
45, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Create A System
For Designation And Management Of National Heritage Areas. In February
2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the en bloc amendments no. 1 to the
Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "establish a formal system for
designation and management of National Heritage Areas." The vote was on
the adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a vote
of 229-198. [House Vote 41,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
11;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Establishing More National Park System
Monuments, Recreation Areas And Other Lands In California And
Colorado. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the Protecting
America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "expand or establish a number of National Park
System monuments, recreation areas and other lands in California and
Colorado." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
of 227-200. [House Vote 45,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Postpone The
Bill's Enactment Until The Interior Department Certifies Renewable Jobs
Will Not Decrease Due To The Bill. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted
against the en bloc amendments no. 2 to the Protecting America's
Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "prohibit the bill's provisions from taking effect until the
Interior Department certifies that no renewable energy jobs would be
lost as a result of the bill's enactment." The vote was on the adoption
of amendments. The House rejected the amendments by a vote of 197-226.
[House Vote 43, 2/26/21;
Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21; Congressional Actions,
H.Amdt.
13;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Effectively Prohibiting Mining Production
In Certain Federal Lands, Including The Grand Canyon And Thompson
Divide. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the Protecting
America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to
Congressional Quarterly, "effectively prohibit new mining or mineral
production activities by withdrawing mineral and geothermal leasing
rights for a number of federal lands, including approximately 1 million
acres in the Grand Canyon region of Arizona and approximately 200,000
acres within the Thompson Divide in Colorado." The vote was on passage.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 227-200. [House Vote 45,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
Republicans Criticized Provisions That Would Prohibit New Uranium
Mining Around The Grand Canyon And Claimed It Would Require The U.S.
To Purchase Uranium From Foreign Enemies. According to
Congressional Quarterly, "The legislation also would bar new uranium
mining on large swaths of land around the Grand Canyon. Republican
critics said those provisions will require the United States to turn
to not-so-friendly countries for its uranium needs." [Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21]
House Natural Resources Committee Republicans Claimed The
Legislation Was A "Partisan Land Grab" And Claimed Democrats
Continued To Eliminate Economic "Opportunities For Energy Production
And Mineral Extraction On Public Lands" And Limit Recreational
Activities. According to Congressional Quarterly, "Republicans on
the House Natural Resources Committee cast the legislation as a
'partisan land grab' and the latest example of Democrats cutting off
opportunities for energy production and mineral extraction on public
lands. They said the designations would hurt the economy and
prohibit even some recreational activities such as snowmobiling and
riding all-terrain vehicles through the affected areas."
[Congressional Quarterly,
2/26/21]
The Bill Would Prevent New Oil, Gas And Mineral Extraction On Over
1.2 Million Acres Of Federal Lands. According to The Hill, "It
would also prevent new oil, gas and mineral extraction on more than
1.2 million acres of public land and preserve 1,000 river miles by
adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System." [The
Hill,
2/26/21]
The Bill Would Codify Mining Prevention On 1 Million Acres,
Specifically On The Grand Canyon. According to The Hill, "The vast
majority of the mining portion of the bill, about 1 million acres,
would codify prevention on mining specifically around the Grand
Canyon." [The Hill,
2/26/21]
2012: President Obama Placed A 2-Decade Moratorium On Uranium
Mining On The Grand Canyon. According to The Hill, "In 2012, the
Obama administration placed a 20-year moratorium on uranium mining
on the land surrounding the Grand Canyon, but environmentalists
feared that the Trump administration would open it back up." [The
Hill,
2/26/21]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted Against An Amendment That Would Strike All
Provisions That Would Designate Potential Wilderness Areas. In
February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted against the en bloc amendments no. 2 to
the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would,
according to Congressional Quarterly, "strike from the bill all
provisions that would designate 'potential wilderness' areas." The vote
was on the adoption of amendments. The House rejected the amendments by
a vote of 197-226. [House Vote 43,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
13;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For Requiring Studies On Several Federal
Lands, Including The Expansion Of Two National Monuments In Arizona And
Categorizing St. Croix In The Virgin Islands A National Heritage Area.
In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the Protecting America's
Wilderness and Public Lands Act which would, according to Congressional
Quarterly, "designate or require studies on additional lands in several
other states, including to expand two national monuments in Arizona and
establish the island of St. Croix in the Virgin Islands as a National
Heritage Area." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a
vote of 227-200. [House Vote 45,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]
2021: Fitzpatrick Voted For An Amendment That Would Require Studies On
Several Federal Lands, Including The Expansion Of Two National Monuments
In Arizona And Categorizing St. Croix In The Virgin Islands A National
Heritage Area. In February 2021, Fitzpatrick voted for the en bloc
amendments no. 1 to the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands
Act which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, "designate or
require studies on additional lands in several states, including to
expand two national monuments in Arizona, establish the island of St.
Croix in the Virgin Islands as a National Heritage Area." The vote was
on the adoption of amendments. The House adopted the amendments by a
vote of 229-198. [House Vote 41,
2/26/21; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/26/21;
Congressional Actions, H.Amdt.
11;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
803]