May 7, 2014
Contact: Keith Curley, (703) 284-9428, kcurley@tu.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Hunters and Anglers Applaud Sen. Testers Amendment to Balance Energy Development, Outdoor Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C.Sen. Jon Tester of Montana filed an amendment Tuesday to an energy efficiency bill that would help to balance wind and solar energy development on public lands with fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation. The amendment, which contains the text of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, a bill authored by Sens. Tester and Dean Heller of Nevada, would promote wind and solar energy development on appropriate public lands while creating a revenue stream for states, counties, and conservation of fish and wildlife habitat.
Hunters and anglers want to see wind and solar energy development move forward in a way that conserves fish and wildlife habitat and maintains access for hunting and fishing, said Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood. For years now, Senator Tester has been a leader on making those concepts a reality. This amendment is the latest example of his strong leadership.
The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (S. 279 and HR 596) has been introduced in both chambers of Congress and has the support of the entire Montana congressional delegation. A companion bill to Sen. Testers Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and is cosponsored by Rep. Steve Daines of Montana.
The bills are supported by the Montana Association of Counties and the Western Governors Association, in addition to numerous hunting and angling groups.
It is unclear whether Sen. Testers amendment to the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2014 (S. 2262) will receive a vote in the Senate. The bill is being debated by the Senate this week.
Trout Unlimited is the nations oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North Americas trout and salmon and their watersheds. Follow TU on Facebook and Twitter, and visit us online at tu.org.