Congress yesterday passed legislation to protect more than 2 million acres in nine states and the President is expected to sign the bill soon.
It marks the largest expansion of wilderness protection in 15 years, giving the highest level of protection to land in California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.
Opponents, mostly Republicans, called the bill a "land grab" that would block energy development on vast swaths of federal land.
But supporters said the legislation will strengthen the national park system, restore national forests, preserve wild and scenic rivers, protect battlefields and restore balance to the management of public lands.
Read Associate Press coverage at the link below.
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