IN RECOGNITION OF RAY PETERSEN'S DECADES OF REMARKABLE PUBLIC SERVICE TO UTAH; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 121
(Extensions of Remarks - July 01, 2020)
Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E603-E604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF RAY PETERSEN'S DECADES OF REMARKABLE PUBLIC SERVICE
TO UTAH
______
HON. JOHN R. CURTIS
of utah
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Ray Petersen on
a remarkable career of indispensable service to the great State of
Utah. By virtue of Ray's enduring commitment to overseeing proper land
management practices, Emery County flourishes with beauty and
opportunity. The residents of Emery County, and the countless visitors
who enjoy the region, have Ray to thank for his 18 years as Emery
County's Public Lands Administrator, and his lifetime of public service
to rural Utah.
Ray has dedicated his career to addressing critical rural issues. As
a fourth-generation
[[Page E604]]
resident of Emery County, Ray understands well the challenges facing
rural communities and the profound impact that federal, state, and
local policy decisions have on the livelihoods of so many. In his role
as Emery County Public Lands Administrator, Ray was consequential in
assisting policymakers--from the county commission to the federal
government--reconcile differences and find solutions for the county's
land management, whose expansive plans fall heavily under state and
federal domain.
Sustained opportunity and access to Emery County's lands are
paramount for its economic vitality, particularly to its agriculture,
recreation and tourism industries, and its local mining, gas and oil
development. Ray has helped these key local industries navigate the
challenges and opportunities of land management issues, to find
compromise and success.
A fitting final accomplishment to his career, Ray was instrumental in
helping Utah's congressional delegation secure a victory for Emery
County and the state's public lands as the Emery County Public Lands
Management Act was signed into law. This legislation marked the
culmination of years of collaboration and cooperation with local
partners and officials, ensuring ongoing uses will be enjoyed in Emery
County without fear of a potential national monument designation from
D.C., and consolidation of Utah trust lands that will generate millions
in revenue for our school kids. It also included long-sought local land
transfers to meet city government needs while expanding Goblin Valley
State Park, a truly unique place that will now be better managed for
future generations.
Ray Petersen has championed rural lands issues of extraordinary
significance to Utah throughout his esteemed career. Our great state
owes him a debt of gratitude for three decades of selfless public
service. I thank Ray.
____________________