The Congressional Western Caucus is working to advance five basic objectives:
Energy: Western Caucus members support policies that will achieve American energy dominance and end reliance on foreign countries. Throughout the 119th Congress, the Caucus will promote production of affordable and reliable domestic energy sources such as hydropower and nuclear, reinforce efforts to modernize the cumbersome permitting process, and eliminate burdensome regulations that stifle development.
Multiple-Use: The multiple-use doctrine requires that all potential resources and uses of federal lands are utilized in a balanced combination to best meet the needs of the American people. Western Caucus members are committed to defending multiple-use against attacks from activists intent on locking up our public lands. The Caucus will work to increase access to public lands for recreational activities, like hiking, hunting, fishing, and OHV use, without limiting responsible energy production, mining, forestry or grazing.
Forestry: For many rural and remote areas across the West, public and private forests are critical engines of job creation. Maintaining healthy forests through active management is a top priority for the Caucus that will drive help rural America’s prosperity while simultaneously reducing the risk and severity of wildfires.
Water: Water rights, like property rights, are sacrosanct in America’s west. Caucus members are dedicated to fighting against Federal and State attempts to curb water rights and impose ruinous environmental requirements. The West relies on a predictable water supply for crops, cities, recreation, and industry.
Agriculture: Caucus members know that America’s greatness is fueled by the yields of its farmers and ranchers. Supporting U.S.-based agricultural production and shielding American farms from unacceptable foreign trade practices are both central tenets of the Caucus’ mission.
