The Co-Chairs of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Reps. Doris Matsui (CA), Don Beyer (VA), and Maxine Dexter (OR) released a statement following the Department of the Interior's (DOI) decision to formally strike down the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, or "Public Lands Rule".

"The Department of the Interior struck down much-needed guidance for our nation's largest land agency that laid out a balanced approach when it comes to managing 245 million acres of America's public lands," said the Task Force Co-Chairs. "This is a devastating attack on our public lands and the freedom for our children and future generations to explore the great outdoors. The Bureau of Land Management's Public Lands Rule reiterated the simple and straightforward concept that conservation should be equally valued alongside energy extraction and mining uses of our public lands. Yet, the Trump Administration continues to go against the wishes of the American people and tilt the scales in favor of corrupt polluters. SEEC's Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force will continue to fight alongside the overwhelming American majority who support the responsible management and conservation of our nation's special places."