Chairman Paul Gosar stated, "President Trump and Secretary Zinke have done a great thing by opening up the critical mineral designation process and really listening to the input of experts, Congress, industry and members of the public in order to examine the economic and geopolitical ramifications of certain minerals being placed in or excluded from the 'critical minerals' list. This is a list of those minerals that have sensitive international supply chains but are of extreme importance to our economy and national security. The good news is that for so many of the minerals which may be designated 'critical', we enjoy substantial reserves at home. There is no need for the United States to be import-reliant on adversaries and foes for these valuable materials. Today, we ask that those who are making decisions about 'critical' status make sure that obviously-critical minerals like copper, gold, molybdenum, zinc and others make the final list. Given the incredible domestic need for these minerals, it's no exaggeration to say that the very security and stability of our country depend on the United States prioritizing permitting and development for our vast reserves right here in America." 

On Thursday, our Members were joined by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke for discussion at the Western Caucus Monthly Member Meeting!

As always, Members and the Secretary had a lively discussion on important issues that matter to our Members and the people they represent. The Secretary also discussed Interior reorganization as well as NEPA and permitting reform.

Reps. Rob Bishop, Paul Gosar, Scott Tipton, Ralph Norman, Jason Smith, Liz Cheney, Dan Newhouse, Don Young, Tom McClintock, Ralph Abraham, Garret Graves, Tom Emmer, Greg Gianforte, Bruce Westerman. Aumua Amata, Rep. Brian Babin, Roger Marshall, M.D., Kurt Schrader, Jody Hice and Mike Johnson were all in attendance!

“The era of secret science at EPA is coming to an end,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “The ability to test, authenticate, and reproduce scientific findings is vital for the integrity of rulemaking process. Americans deserve to assess the legitimacy of the science underpinning EPA decisions that may impact their lives.”

Conservative groups including Freedomworks are lauding the Agency's steps towards requiring new policy be based on publicly-available study and data.

Unfortunately, the National Park Service has issued a prospectus for the award of new contracts that represents a substantial increase in the minimum franchise fee payment - and one that appears inconsistent with the aforementioned Act - from a tiered structure requiring payment of 4% to 18% of certain gross receipts, to one requiring 5% up to 22.5% of gross receipts.

The letter makes clear that, as Members are hearing from multiple contract-holders, the change in franchise fee structure will seriously imperil the sustainability of contract-holding businesses present and future, thereby potentially compromising the ability of park visitors to participate in the many activities and experiences that are dependent on the services of contract-holding businesses.

Chairman Paul Gosar stated, "It's important that the National Park Service keep in mind that its responsibility is to serving the American people first. Any focus on revenue generation should come only after meeting - and exceeding - that goal. It makes good sense for the Park Service to charge reasonable rates so that service-providers have skin in the game and the best companies win the contracts. What doesn't make sense is for the Park Service to price outfitters and guides out of business by imposing unsustainably high rates. For our Parks visitors to get the full experience they deserve, they invariably need to rely on these service providers. We should empower these passionate small-business owners instead of gouging them out of the market for a little short-term revenue. I'm hopeful that Secretary Zinke and Acting Director Smith respond favorably to this request."