Tell Senate Subcommittee to vote NO on H.R. 655’s giveaway of Mt. Hood public lands by July 29th!
Over the last six months, we’ve been tracking a bill that sets a dangerous precedent for Mt. Hood National Forest and public lands more broadly. H.R. 655 proposes to transfer 150 acres of Mt. Hood National Forest, including water from the Dog River that flows off Mt. Hood into the East Fork Hood River, to the city of the Dalles.
Given the rapid growth of Google’s data centers in The Dalles, the fact that the bill allows for these lands to be transferred freely without compensation to the federal government or the public, and the fact that the transfer would allow the city to raise the reservoir without USFS oversight—potentially sidestepping environmental analyses that would be required on federal lands—Bark and its allies are concerned that passage of the bill would negatively impact the region’s water supply, fish, and wildlife.
Unfortunately, the bill is on the move in the Senate. Last week, it was granted a hearing in the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining, which falls under the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
On the upside, this hearing provides an opportunity for the public to finally weigh in with the Committee and express their opposition to HR 655.
But we don’t have much time. According to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s website, we have up to two weeks following a hearing to submit testimony. That means the deadline to contact the committee is Wednesday, July 29th.
Click the button below or use the following language and resources on Bark’s website as a template to submit your HR 655 testimony NOW! You can also email the subcommittee directly at fortherecord@energy.senate.gov ahead of the deadline on Wednesday, July 29th. The sooner this subcommittee hears from you, the better.
Urge the Committee to oppose HR 655 and its reckless impacts on our forests, fish, cold water flows, public land, and public oversight!
Template Letter
Dear Chairman Barrasso, Ranking Member Cortez Masto, and Members of the U.S Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining,
I am an Oregonian, and I oppose HR 655. The proposed transfer of 150 acres of federal public land from the Mt. Hood National Forest to the City of The Dalles is terrible policy that sets a dangerous precedent.
This bill is an end-run around public engagement and oversight, and an attack on our forests, waters, public lands, and endangered species that puts the interests of a wealthy corporation and their political allies ahead of the interests of everyday Oregonians.
The rules that safeguard Oregon’s forests, waters, and wildlife are not simply “red tape” to be eliminated in the name of expediency. They exist for a reason. Circumventing them in HR 655 is unacceptable.
I urge you to stand with Oregonians and the rules that protect our forests, waters, culturally important and endangered fish, conservation values, and the ability for the public to participate in decisions affecting public lands. These rules are vital to preserving the natural treasures that make Oregon a special place to live, work, and raise a family.
Please reject passage of HR 655.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[ your name ]
[ your mailing address]