Reply from Senator Markey

EDWARD J. MARKEY  MASSACHUSETTS		255 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20510 (202) 224-2742
	United States Senate January 24, 2018

Thank you for contacting me about the proposed amendment to the Wilderness Act to allow bicycles and other mechanization in the National Wilderness Preservation System. It was good to hear from you about this important issue.

On December 13^th, 2017, the House Natural Resources Committee voted 22-18 to move to the House floor a bill, H.R. 1349, sponsored by Rep. Tom McClintock that would permit bikes in wilderness areas. A companion bill, S. 3205, was introduced in the Senate during the 114^th Congress. Throughout my service in Congress, I have fought to protect the environment and our public lands and wild areas and I will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves through the legislative process.

In the Senate, I will continue working to protect our pristine public lands for future generations and that also help support thousands of jobs and serve as an economic driver across our country. Massachusetts is home to numerous National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges and other protected public lands. These sanctuaries support our state and local economies while protecting wildlife species and our environment.

Thank you again for contacting me about this issue.  If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can leave me a message at http://markey.senate.gov/contact.  You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.  

Sincerely,

Edward J. Markey
United States Senator