Washington, D.C. – During an organizational meeting of the House Natural Resources Committee today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) was officially named a member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands and the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans. The Congressman is currently the number two Democrat of the full House Natural Resources Committee.

“These subcommittees will help me play a key role in maintaining our natural resources in Michigan and throughout the country. As a member of the natural parks subcommittee I will work to protect major recreational sites and as a member of the fisheries subcommittee I will help maintain and improve the Great Lakes,” Congressman Kildee said. “I look forward to working with my fellow representatives so we can help preserve the environment.”

The Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands has jurisdiction over the National Wilderness Preservation System and units of the National Park and National Forest System. In Michigan, this subcommittee will have oversight over four national parks, four national forests, 95 historic lighthouses, 1629 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, 34 national historic landmarks and 12 national natural landmarks.

In addition, the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans, has jurisdiction over issues relating to fisheries management, wildlife resources, coastal barrier protection and coastal zone management and marine sanctuaries. In Michigan, this subcommittee will have oversight over three national fish hatcheries, seven national wildlife refuges and one wetland management district. 

Congressman Kildee is chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. He is also the number two Democrat of the full House Committee on Education and Labor and a member of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions. In addition, Congressman Kildee is co-chairman of both the Congressional Automotive Caucus and Native American Caucus.