Rep. Neguse Elected to Serve as Ranking Member of U.S. House Subcommittee on Federal Lands
As the most senior Democrat on the Subcommittee, Rep. Neguse will work to advance a bold and comprehensive agenda to protect America’s public lands.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse was elected by his colleagues in the Natural Resources Committee to serve as Ranking Member of the United States House Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Rep. Neguse chaired this Subcommittee in the 117th Congress, previously named the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
“I am grateful to my colleagues for electing me to serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Over the next two years, I will continue to prioritize work to preserve our public lands, restore our forests, and protect our communities from record-breaking wildfires — just as I did as Chairman during the 117th Congress,” saidCongressman Neguse. “As the representative of a district that is made up of nearly 60% public lands, the critical link between our treasured public lands, economic growth, and way of life is deeply personal to me and my constituents. I will do everything I can to reach across the aisle and collaborate on legislation that supports our environment and public lands, and look forward to the work ahead.”
Last Congress, Rep. Neguse became the first Coloradan to Chair the Subcommittee and the first African American to serve in the role since the Committee was formed 215 years ago. The position was held by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in the 116th Congress.
As Chair of the Subcommittee, Rep. Neguse unveiled his Restoring Our Lands and Communities Agenda, a plan to:
- Strengthen our Dedication to Conservation and Supporting Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Economy,
- Prepare and Respond to Wildfires,
- Continue Support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF),
- Address Deferred Maintenance,
- Address Climate Change through Public Lands,
- Make Historic Investments in the Natural Resource Workforce.
As a result, Representative Neguse successfully enacted several historic pieces of legislation in the 117th Congress, including the Amache National Historic Site Act and the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Recovery Act. He is also responsible for successfully passing the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act through the House five times – and his work in pursuing this bill culminated in President Biden’s designation of the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. Rep. Neguse has also emerged a leader in bolstering wildfire mitigation and resiliency for communities across the West. In July 2022, Congressman Neguse secured the passage of his Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, a monumental legislative package to prevent wildfires, boost wildland firefighter pay, and fund resilience and mitigation projects.
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