Chairman Westerman Testifying at the House Rules Committee on H.J. Res. 60 and H.J. Res. 78

Chairman Fodds, thank you for holding the hearing today and I appreciate this opportunity to testify before the Rules Committee again. And first I want to thank my colleagues, Representatives Malloy and LaMalfa, for working with our team to advance these resolutions. The Committee on Natural Resources remains committed to advancing common sense legislation, reversing the previous administration's unnecessary executive actions. H.J. Res. 78 will deliver on President Trump's promise to turn on the taps in California by undoing a flawed Biden-era rule listing the long-finned smelt as endangered. I should first note that since Congress enacted the ESA in 1973, approximately 1,700 species have been listed as threatened or endangered. However, only 3% of listed species have been classified as recovered and delisted. Based on this abysmal track record, listing the long-finned smelt under the ESA is more of a lifelong sentence than a saving grace. This erroneous listing is entirely focused on the San Francisco Bay Delta population of long-finned smelt. It ignores the fact that this species currently inhabits the entirety of the Bay, occupying all its tributaries and successfully spawning in all types of water conditions. The facts demonstrably show the species is not at risk of extinction. The Biden administration only finalized the listing after a pressure campaign of weaponized litigation from radical environmental groups. While the scientific merits of this listing are weak, its effects are anything but. California water supplies are already bound in layers of red tape, and the listing tightens those chains even further. Due in large part to restrictions imposed by the ESA, many farmers are receiving half of their federally allocated water supply. America depends on the food that is grown in California's Central Valley, and we need to provide immediate relief to these agricultural communities so they receive the water they desperately need and are entitled to receive. Thanks to the work of Congressman LaMoffa and Republican members of the California delegation, we are removing unnecessary regulatory burdens preventing farmers from accessing their water resources. I am also here today to testify on behalf of H.J. Resolution 60, an important continuation of the Committee on Natural Resources' work to restore multiple use and public access to our federal lands. Southern Utah is home to many of America's most majestic and stunning natural wonders, from the canyons of Zion National Park to the sweeping vistas and otherworldly terrain of arches. In a state full of outdoor recreation opportunities, one of the most cherished locations for exploration is the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Before it was officially designated as a recreation area by Congress, off-road enthusiasts had been heading out to conquer the rough-hewn trails and unique terrain this area offers. In support of outdoor recreation, the National Park Service worked to expand off-road recreation opportunities as recently as 2021, but was quickly beaten back again by radical environmental litigants. The Biden administration later issued a rule restricting off-road activity in the recreation area, overturning decades of precedent and dramatically limiting public access. Congresswoman Malloy's efforts will overturn this draconian rule and reopen dozens of miles of off-road trails for Utahns and all Americans to enjoy. I urge the committee to report an appropriate rule so these resolutions can be considered in the House. Thank you and I yield back.