Photo: Allegheny Defense Project

On April 17, the House passed H.R. 4089, the so-called Sportsmen’s Heritage Act. Viewed as a ‘Trojan horse’ by conservationists, the bill would severely roll-back decades of federal law that protect our public lands, including the Wilderness Areas in Allegheny National Forest. The bill moves to the Senate and Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey will be a key vote. PLEASE CONTACT Sen. Casey’s office and urge him to vote against HR 4089. Read more.

Better termed the ”Motorize Our Wilderness Areas Bill’, H.R. 4089 would undermine the Nationbal Wilderness Preservation System by opening the door to motorized use in protected areas as well as exempt certain land-use decisions from the National Environmental Policy Act to favor of energy development. Allowing motor vehicles in designated Wilderness Areas would harm the very recreational fishing and hunting opportunities the bill is intended to protect. The bill would also expand hunting in National Parks and allow the use of ammo containing lead.

Originally introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), HR 4089 passed in the House by a vote of 274-146. Rep. Jason Altmire was one of five Democrats who co-sponsored the bill, and in the final vote he was joined by Rep. Mark Critz and 37 other Democrats. Rep. Doyle voted against HR 4089 and deserves our thanks.