Northwest PA News

HARRISBURG – Sen. Scott Hutchinson and Rep. Kathy Rapp have expressed their opposition to a proposed rule change by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that could have a detrimental impact on the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) and the surrounding communities. The rule change would allow for the listing of Natural Asset Companies (NACs) on the New York Stock Exchange, granting them control over prescribed areas such as national parks, federal lands, and private land.

Hutchinson and Rapp argue that this proposed rule change would give NACs the power to prevent responsible development of natural resources, including fossil fuel extraction, mining, logging, and large-scale farming. They emphasize that the management of public lands should be the responsibility of Congress and state legislatures, and allowing NACs to control these lands would bypass the legislative process and violate the rights of American citizens.

The lawmakers also express concern about the lack of familiarity that NACs would have with the unique qualities and needs of local communities. They point out that NACs may operate with generic ideas of "sustainable" use without truly understanding the specific requirements of the lands they would control. This lack of sensitivity could have adverse effects on the communities surrounding the ANF.

Furthermore, Hutchinson and Rapp highlight the potential threat to privately owned sub-surface property rights and other uses of the land, such as grazing, water use, food production, and recreation. They warn that allowing private ownership by NACs could jeopardize local tax revenues and devastate many communities.

Rapp criticizes the proposed rule change as an attempt by radical environmentalists to impose their agenda on the people of Northwest Pennsylvania. She urges individuals to engage with their neighbors and local community members who have a genuine concern for the health of the Allegheny National Forest and its impact on the local economy.

Hutchinson argues that allowing a small group of wealthy individuals and organizations, including foreign interests, to control American land and resources for profit is unethical, illegal, and opens the nation to the risks of foreign control and interference.

In conclusion, Hutchinson and Rapp strongly urge the SEC not to allow the proposed rule change that would grant rich elites control over public lands and their natural resources. They emphasize the importance of preserving the rights of local stakeholders, landowners, and land managers in the decision-making process and preserving the integrity of American public lands.

For media inquiries, please contact:

- Justin Leventry, Sen. Hutchinson's office: Jleventry@pasen.gov

- Jake Gillespie, Rep. Rapp's office: jgillespie@pahousegop.com

Source: Representative Kathy Rapp, Pennsylvania House of Representatives.