|
Tom O`Halleran on Environment
|
|
Fund stewardship of our parks and forests
Arizona has beautiful national parks and forests. For too long now, though, Congress has insufficiently funded the agencies that are the stewards of the lands meant to benefit all Americans. Congress needs to provide appropriate resources to these
agencies. This should be designed to stimulate local economies to thrive with jobs for those who live there. In addition to creating jobs and increasing tourism revenue, properly funding parks and forests reduces wildfire risks, helps protect
natural resources, allows for better forest management, and makes better use of our water resources. Better water management further reduces risks posed by the state's current drought.
Finally, proper funding of parks and forests improves the quality of life for Arizonans and visitors alike, increases our recreation opportunities, and provides better habitat for wildlife.
Source: 2016 Arizona House campaign website TomOHalleran.com
, Nov 8, 2016
Keep restrictive rules for predator control in Alaska.
O`Halleran voted NAY Disapprove Subsistence Hunting Rule on ANWR
Library of Congress Summary: This joint resolution nullifies the rule finalized by the Department of the Interior on Aug. 5, 2016, relating to non-subsistence takings of wildlife and public participation and closure procedures on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.
Case for voting YES by House Republican Policy Committee: The Fish and Wildlife Service rule--which lays claim to more than 20% of Alaska--violates ANILCA (Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act) and the Alaska Statehood Compact. Not only does [the existing 2016 rule] undermine Alaska's ability to manage fish and wildlife upon refuge lands, it fundamentally destroys a cooperative relationship between Alaska and the federal government.
Case for voting NO by the Sierra Club (April 6, 2017):
- President Trump signed H.J. Res. 69, overturning the rule that banned "predator control" on federal wildlife refuges in Alaska unless "based on sound science in response to
a conservation concern."
- Any rule mentioning "sound science" is in trouble under a Trump administration.
- So what kinds of practices will the Trump administration now allow on our federal wildlife refuges? Activities that include shooting or trapping wolves while in their dens with pups, or hunting for grizzly bears from airplanes.
- It's all about ensuring a maximum yield of prey species like elk, moose, and caribou for the real apex predator: humans. So if having more elk requires killing wolf pups in their dens, then so be it.
- The Obama administration's rule (which Trump revoked) never tried to stop all hunting. Subsistence hunting was still allowed. What's changed is that the predators on federal wildlife refuges are now under the control of the state of Alaska. And that makes them prey.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 52-47-1, March 21; passed House, 225-193-12, Feb. 16; signed by Pres. Trump April 3.
Source: Congressional vote 18-HJR69 on Feb 16, 2017
Page last updated: Feb 16, 2022