During the recent centennial of our National Park Service, I found myself at the ceremony at Yellowstone National Park, our first National Park established by Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. As I enjoyed the celebration under the famous Roosevelt arch, I could not help but notice the words etched in the stone at the top of the arch For the benefit and enjoyment of the people. And, on the side of the right pillar was a plaque with the words Created by Act of Congress. I thought What a perfect symbol' of what our land policy in a Nation as great as ours should be.

Before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (January 17, 2017)