Paul Gosar Introduces Bipartisan Yuma Proving Ground Bill

Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) has introduced a bipartisan bill authorizing the withdrawal and reservation of approximately 22,000 acres of federal land in Yuma and La Paz Counties for the Yuma Proving Ground.

House Bill 8686 creates a larger safety buffer zone for military testing, especially for air delivery purposes, such as higher-altitude testing, longer glide distances for guided parachute systems, and more complex tactical training scenarios that cannot safely occur under current land limitations.

Additionally, the Department of the Interior would continue to manage the withdrawn lands under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and under environmental regulations surrounding conservation activities, protection of wildlife habitat, preservation of cultural resources, wildfire management, recreation, hunting access, and management of wild horses and burros.

"The Yuma Proving Ground plays a vital role in America's national defense and military readiness," said Rep. Gosar in his press release, adding, "This legislation ensures our service members can safely conduct advanced testing and training operations while protecting the long-term mission of one of the most important military installations in the country.  Arizona is proud to support the men and women who defend our nation, and this bill strengthens that mission for decades to come."

Rep. Gosar further emphasized the lack of partisanship in the bill, since it is about "military readiness, national security, and protecting the safety of the troops training at Yuma Proving Ground. Our military must have the tools, land, and operational flexibility necessary to prepare for modern threats and evolving battlefield conditions."

As a result, the Arizona congressman concluded, "This legislation strikes the right balance between military readiness, responsible land management, public access, and regional infrastructure needs."

Last July, Gosar's colleague, Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), introduced House Resolution 2493, which amends a portion of the 1960 Sikes Act that has required the Secretary of Defense to cooperate with the Fish and Wildlife Service, along with state and local partners, to ensure the conservation and management of natural resources in and around military installations.