Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to protect wilderness areas around the country, including "54,000 acres in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest. According to Rep. Rick Boucher (D-9), the wilderness designation will "protect pristine woodlands 'while enhancing the tourism economy of the region by enticing travelers to visit and enjoy the superb natural landscape which Southwest Virginia offers.'" The final House vote on this bill (HR 146) was 285-140, with Virginia's House delegation breaking 8-3 in favor. Even two Virginia Republicans - Frank Wolf and Rob Wittman - voted for this one, along with the six Virginia Democratic Representatives. Voting against the bill were Eric Cantor, Randy Forbes, and Bob Goodlatte. The question for those three guys is simple: why do you oppose protecting Virginia's Jefferson National Forest, and more broadly, what do you have against the environment?
