Golden appointed to House Committee on Natural Resources

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today was appointed to the House Natural Resources Committee, giving him a prime position to advocate for critical and cherished state industries, protect Mainers’ quality of life and fight side-by-side with Maine’s indigenous communities to champion equal rights for the Wabanaki peoples. 

“Maine’s culture and economy are inextricably linked to our abundance of natural resources,”Golden said. “Families in our state hunt and fish in our lands and waters, harvest timber in the Maine woods and create outdoor recreation opportunities for each other and visitors alike — all while serving as thoughtful stewards of our environment. I am honored to serve on this committee, where I can advocate for Mainers and our way of life, whether that’s defending our lobstermen from onerous and unnecessary regulations, backing the Wabanaki peoples in their fight for tribal sovereignty or supporting policies to ensure America’s energy independence.”  

The House Natural Resources Committee’s jurisdiction includes fisheries and wildlife regulations, public lands, domestic energy production, mineral lands and mining, and Native American issues.

On the Committee, Golden will be a key player in policy debates over regulations affecting Maine’s lobster fishery. Maine’s lobster industry generates $1.4 billion annually and is the lifeblood of communities up and down the Maine coast. During his time in Congress, Golden has been a fierce advocate for lobstermen, from passing a moratorium on burdensome right whale regulations that threatened to take fishermen off the water for good to opposing the development of wind farms in critical Maine fishing waters. 

Golden has also stood side-by-side with the Wabanaki Alliance, which represents Maine’s four Native American tribes, in their fight for self-determination. In 2022, the House passed Golden’s “Advancing Equality for Wabanaki Nations Act,” a bill to correct a longstanding injustice that prevents the Mi’kmaq Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation from exercising the same right to self-governance afforded to tribes in other states. The bill was later killed in the Senate; Golden has pledged to continue working with the Wabanaki Nations on their priorities.

Maine’s 2nd Congressional District is home to Acadia National Park — one of the ten most visited national parks in the United States — and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. With annual visitation numbers continuing to increase, these public lands need significant infrastructure investments. In the 118th Congress, Golden passed the “Great American Outdoors Act,” to address maintenance backlogs at places such as Acadia and to establish permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

What they’re saying: 

• Dustin Delano, chief operating officer, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA): “NEFSA would like to congratulate Congressman Golden on his appointment to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The congressman has proven to be a one-of-a-kind advocate for commercial fishermen, and we look forward to having our voices further represented.”
• Virginia Olsen, lobsterman and director of Maine Lobstering Union, Local 207: “Our union is thrilled to learn Rep. Golden will serve on the Natural Resources Committee. We look forward to his continued work on behalf of Maine lobstermen in the face of regulatory changes in Washington, D.C. His efforts to support our industry and promote economic development resonate strongly with the working men and women who prioritize their heritage, sustainable practices and community well-being.”
• Maulian Bryant, executive director, Wabanaki Alliance: “Rep. Jared Golden serving on the Natural Resources Committee is great news for all people of Maine, including the Wabanaki nations. The Wabanaki Alliance continues to be deeply honored by the commitment and genuine dedication the congressman has shown with his efforts to restore important tribal sovereignty and self-determination rights to our nations. We look forward to any future collaborations we have with Rep. Golden, and we know that his work with Wabanaki people will serve him well and inform his work on this critically important committee. We are grateful to Rep. Golden for being a true champion for the Wabanaki, especially on issues related to a sacred priority for all of us, the health and wellbeing of Mother Earth.” 
• Eric Stiles, president and CEO, Friends of Acadia: “Congressman Jared Golden’s appointment to the House Natural Resources Committee is a tremendous win for Maine’s people, visitors and treasured landscapes. As a steadfast advocate for outdoor recreation and our National Parks, the Congressman understands the critical role Acadia National Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument play in our economy, generating over $680 million annually and supporting over 6,500 jobs across the state. We thank Congressman Golden for championing common-sense conservation efforts that ensure Maine’s natural wonders remain a source of inspiration, recreation and economic vitality for generations to come.”

In addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, Golden will continue to serve on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), on which he has served since 2019. On HASC, Golden will continue to advocate for service members, veterans, and their families, and to support the ongoing production of American warships at Bath Iron Works. 

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