Number: 1981-10
WHEREAS, the existing energy and minerals shortage has increased pressure for extracting energy and minerals from public lands; and
WHEREAS, extraction of energy and mineral resources often results in destruction of wildlife habitat by water pollution, human encroachment, air pollution, disposal of toxic materials, and timber removal; and
WHEREAS, some U. S. laws permit the extraction of minerals and energy without regard to the consequences of such extraction; and
WHEREAS, some proposed laws and regulations apparently in haste to extract energy and minerals from the public lands, further abridge necessary resources protection; and
WHEREAS, many of the public lands on which energy and mineral extraction is proposed offer important wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting March 26-29, 1981, in Norfolk, Virginia, hereby urges the federal government to prudently approach energy and mineral extraction to ensure that wildlife and recreation will not be unnecessarily sacrificed in a rush to extract energy and minerals from the public lands; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls for and supports legislation that would provide for a portion of the mineral values extracted from public lands be assigned to aid in the restoration of the wildlife and fish resources, including their habitats, that is compromised through the location or extraction of minerals from public lands.