Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman Joins Rep. Calvert in Riverside County

House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (AR-4) recently joined Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) in Riverside County to discuss the Cleveland National Forest, federal land management, California’s water challenges, and federal regulatory reform issues.

Reps. Westerman and Calvert met with the Cleveland Caretakers, a volunteer-based organization focused on improving recreational access to the Cleveland National Forest, and toured the forest with U.S. Forest Service personnel. Later, Reps. Westerman and Calvert met with local water officials to discuss the importance of the Colorado River to water and power supply in Riverside County. Finally, they participated in a “Roundtable on Permitting Challenges to Infrastructure Development” along with Riverside County and city officials.

“I was so glad for the opportunity to join Congressman Calvert in his district this week to view firsthand the efforts to address deferred maintenance and public access restrictions in the Cleveland National Forest," said Ranking Member Westerman. "I also appreciated the chance to participate in a roundtable with local authorities where they shared the permitting challenges they face when developing infrastructure. I commend Congressman Calvert’s advocacy for policies that strengthen the local environment and support his constituents’ livelihoods.”

“I appreciate Rep. Westerman coming to my district and getting a firsthand assessment of the federal natural resource issues impacting my constituents,” said Rep. Calvert. “Riverside County and California have unique challenges when it comes to our water supply, resource conservation, and addressing the infrastructure demands that come with growth. We also have tremendous opportunities, like the Cleveland National Forest, which we need to take advantage of by expanding recreational opportunities and access.”