Omnibus Land Management Act of 2009
A Natural Legacy for Future Generations of Americans
Apr 7, 2009
The Omnibus Land Management Act of 2009, first introduced by Senator Jeff Bingaman, Democrat from New Mexico, included 16 separate wilderness bills covering areas of California, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Michigan, West Virginia, and Virginia as well as other important legislation.
Battle for Wilderness
Senator Bingaman’s Senate Bill 22 passed the Senate on January 15, 2009 with a bipartisan vote of 73-21. The bill was then sent to the House of Representatives where it failed to achieve the two thirds majority by two votes 282-144 on March 11. This however proved a temporary environmental set back. Essentially the same legislation with the same name but numbered H.R. 146 was sponsored by Representative Rush Holt and co-sponsored by 10 other Representatives passed the House on March 3, 2009 and then passed the Senate on March 19. This was the legislation signed by President Obama on March 30.
Titles Under This Act
There are 15 separate titles under the umbrella of this massive act. Of these titles, the majority by far are dedicated to preservation, restoration, mapping, scientific research and reporting of wilderness areas, parks, trails, rivers and lakes. The exceptions are:
- Title XII - Oceans -- Promotes collaboration with other federal ocean and undersea research and exploration programs. Establishes a NOAA undersea research program for purpose of management, use, and preservation of oceanic, marine, and coastal areas and the Great Lakes. Establishes and develops an ocean and Great Lakes mapping plan for conservation and management of marine resources and habitats. Provides protection for important coastal and estuarine areas.
- Title XIV -- Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act – Promotes development and testing new ways to improve paralysis research. Award grants for clinical networks that collaborate in the creation of rehabilitation methods that can be used on forms of paralysis resulting from central nervous system injuries, disorders, and/or stroke.
- Title XV -- Smithsonian Institution Facilities Authorization – Provides for improvement and construction of support sites in Maryland and Panama.
Negative Impact of this Act
Some degree of negative impact on the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is likely due to the construction of a single lane gravel road that will run between the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay, Alaska. Izembek plays host to a sensitive ecosystem of both plant and animal life. Although the King Cove Corporation is willing to exchange non-federal land for the right to build the road, the exchange will not negate the effects on the refuge.
Overall Effect of this Act
In general, this land management act is a major victory for environmentalists, nature lovers and future generations. Millions of acres will be preserved as a legacy for future generations. As sad as the potential harm the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is, the Omnibus Land Act of 2009 on is markedly different from the stance taken from the last political regime.
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