APNewsBreak: Lawmaker says Yosemite addition violates US law

Source: Associated Press

APNewsBreak: Lawmaker says Yosemite addition violates US law
Sep 9, 5:05 PM EDT
By SCOTT SMITH
Associated Press


FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- Yosemite National Park violated federal law when it added 400 acres of land it plans to preserve as habitat for endangered wildlife without clearing it through Congress, a U.S. lawmaker said Friday.

The addition of wetlands, grassy meadows and forest on Yosemite's western boundary marks its largest expansion in nearly 70 years. But any significant amount of land added to a national park needs congressional approval, U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop said in a statement to The Associated Press.

"The Park Service acted outside of its authority, and we will require them to account for their actions," said the Utah Republican, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, which has oversight of public land.

. . .

Bishop has long sparred with environmentalists and criticized limits on energy development and grazing in favor of wildlife protections.

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