California’s gold mine is hidden in the trees
As a longtime California resident, the following piece of legislation offers solutions to problems that if not fixed, will personally impact my future as well as the future of millions of Americans. And as a Republican who served in politics for decades, the passage of the Protect America’s Wilderness Act or (PAW) Act, is what I know to be the right step towards bipartisan leadership that our country so desperately needs.
Aside from the economic and national security arguments that can be made in support of the PAW Act, there are two crucial components that deserve due recognition that are often overlooked, but duly important; ensuring that our pristine lands and historical areas across the country are properly maintained and protected for future generations and providing adequate funding for our valued American veterans.
I frequently enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the peaceful forests of redwood trees, the awe-inspiring canyons and the flowing rivers that stretch across the state. California’s leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives successfully advocated for the inclusion of the The PAW Act which safeguard more than a million acres of public land and pristine rivers across the state.
Specifically, the PAW Act includes the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, The San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act and the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act. These conservation bills resonant deeply with my desire to continue to enjoy the stunning scenic views and untouched landscapes of our state. I continue to recognize the importance of maintaining the thriving economy associated with California’s outdoor recreation industry, and by protecting and maintaining these natural areas, we are able to simultaneously bolster the economic growth of our nation.
There is nothing more therapeutic and life-affirming than the feeling of being surrounded by the quiet balm of nature, breathing in fresh air, and looking out over scenic landscapes. There is also nothing more American. Our American identity is found within the rolling hills and sprawling forests, which is why American soldiers so adamantly fight to preserve them against the threat of a foreign enemy. Our veterans deserve the protection and peace at home that they once fought for abroad.
I worked for Ronald Reagan for many years and knew his appreciation for the beauty of California.
As a Californian, Ronald Reagan cherished the wilderness and the amazing diversity of the Golden State’s environment. He notably signed the Mulford-Carrell Act, combining the Bureau of Air Sanitation and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board to create the California Air Resources Board (CARB). He also supported legislation to create the Lake Tahoe interstate compact in order to save the lake. As Governor, he blocked dam proposals on the Eel River and on the Middle Fork of the Feather River, to ensure the protection of the waters.
Perhaps one of his best quotes worth remembering is that which he remarked:
“To me, the environmental achievements are enduring. Who the hell remembers or cares what the taxes or the budget was in 1967, but long after, people are going to be able to use the John Muir Trail without having to hit a highway.”
By passing the PAW Act with the inclusion of these special places, we are able to maintain the natural areas of our country that continue to bring such added value to every American’s life, and ensure that no highways will be interfering in nature’s backyard. I call on the Senate to follow the House’s lead to protect these special places.
Over the last four years, the Trump Administration has also prioritized supporting and providing for our veterans and continues to emphasize the need to care for those who have fought for our country. To continue this great legacy, passing the PAW Act into law now along with these critical protections for American lands and rivers will allow for our country’s leadership to allocate funding to services that will guarantee veterans are cared for in every capacity, as they should be. It is only fitting that in providing for our veterans, we simultaneously do our best to protect our lands — lands that they dedicated their lives fighting for and protecting in years prior.
Dr. Karen Spencer worked under Ronald Reagan for several years and is a resident of Palm Desert. Her email is ks9013@gmail.com.