HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2
INTRODUCED BY J. WITT, B. THOMAS, ANDERSEN, BALES, BALYEAT, BARRETT, BITNEY, BOOKOUT-REINICKE, DEE BROWN, R. BROWN, BRUEGGEMAN, CLANCY, E. CLARK, CURTISS, DALE, DAVIES, DEVLIN, FISHER, FUCHS, HAINES, HEDGES, L. HOLDEN, LASZLOFFY, LAWSON, LEWIS, MASOLO, MCCANN, MCGEE, MCKENNEY, D. MOOD, PATTISON, PRICE, RICE, SHOCKLEY, SLITER, SOMERVILLE, STEINBEISSER, STORY, VICK, WALTERS, J. WHITAKER, WOLERY, C. YOUNKIN
A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA OPPOSING ANY NEW DESIGNATION FOR THE MISSOURI RIVER OR THE MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS.
WHEREAS, a majority of Montanans oppose a new designation for the Missouri River or the Missouri River Breaks; and
WHEREAS, the Missouri River and the Missouri River Breaks are protected by the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Montana subdivision law, and county development regulations; and
WHEREAS, expanding the designation will incorporate more private and state land holdings under federal management plans; and
WHEREAS, Article IV, section 3, of the Constitution of the United States gives authority over public lands to Congress; and
WHEREAS, the vast number of acres being considered for designation as a monument does not meet guidelines of the intent of the federal enabling legislation for monument designations, the Antiquities Act of 1906, which states that the President of the United States is authorized to declare national monuments and "may reserve as a part thereof parcels of land, the limits of which in all cases shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected"; and
WHEREAS, House Resolution No. 1487 requires the President of the United States of America to seek public input and to consult with elected officials of the affected state at least 60 days before taking any action; and
WHEREAS, Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt has violated the pledge that he made during his preliminary trip to Montana in the summer of 2000 to return for further analysis and input prior to any recommendations for a change in designation for this area; and
WHEREAS, the Clinton administration has made an "11th hour" rush to create a legacy in land policy without due diligence in properly analyzing the negative impacts on local and state governmental divisions as well as on state and local inhabitants.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislature of the State of Montana respectfully request that the Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Bruce Babbitt, withdraw any new proposed designation for the Missouri River or the Missouri River Breaks and support the proven management practices that have maintained the pristine conditions of the Missouri River and the Missouri River Breaks.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the Secretary of the Interior, the Montana Congressional Delegation, President William Clinton, and President Elect George W. Bush.
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