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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Two Million New Acres of Wilderness Served up to the Senate

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Thursday, January 15, 2009   

A bit of unfinished business is on the calendar in the U.S. Senate. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 that covers more than 160 public lands, water and resources bills left over from last session is expected to be approved. If it is, that will mean two million acres of new wilderness across the country.

Mike Matz is the executive director of the Campaign for America's Wilderness, a supporter of the wilderness bills, which cover nine states.

"It's nice for folks to know that these place are out there, that they can go on vacation, visit these places, and get out and hike, and hunt, and fish, and just enjoy time with family camping."

Critics of the package of bills take issue with wilderness designations because they limit logging, mining and off-road vehicle use.

Matz calls the wilderness plans a "good mix," covering forests, deserts and Great Plains regions.

"From the East Coast, West Virginia, all the way to the West Coast, California. There's a little bit in here for everybody, and everybody in between."

The bills were held up last session by opponents. Some of the wilderness proposals have been in the works for almost 10 years.


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