“My administration will keep working with the industry to sustain production and job growth while strengthening protection of our air, our water, and our communities. And while we’re at it, I’ll use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations.”
-President Barack Obama, State of the Union address, January 28, 2014
What It Means:
In President Obama’s State of the Union address, he made a very public vow to protect America’s most prized outdoor spaces. This is the first time the President used this stage to discuss conservation and protected public lands.
Why It Matters:
In recent years, public land use has swung wildly out of balance in favor of oil and gas development. The last Congress was the first since World War II to not protect a single new acre of public land. During President Obama’s first term, twice as much land was leased for oil and gas drilling as was protected. The President’s promise and Interior Secretary Jewell’s conservation goals are signs they will work to correct the imbalance and make protecting air, water and pristine lands a priority.
Who Said It:
President Barack Obama in his fifth State of the Union address. President Obama was first elected in 2008, and his Administration has overseen one of the largest oil and gas booms in American history.