Crapo Joins Bill to Protect Western Way of Life

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) introduced legislation to protect multiple use policy on federal lands.  The legislation would block the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) finalized Public Lands Rule.

“Idaho is fortunate to be home to some of our nation’s most unique landscapes and vast natural resources,” said Crapo.  “We have a responsibility to ensure our local communities are consulted on decisions that impact the land on which they live and depend.  The BLM’s rule goes against both congressional intent and the will of those who work, recreate or live on or near federal lands.”

Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), John Curtis (R-Utah), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota).

Background:

• The final BLM rule runs counter to the agency’s multiple use mandate under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA).
• According to FLPMA, the BLM is required to balance the multiple uses of public lands including recreation, energy, mining, timber and grazing.
• The “Conservation and Landscape Health” rule rearranges agency priorities by putting a new, single use on equal footing with long established uses that Congress explicitly directed. 
• The rule also places an outsized focus on the use of restrictive Areas of Critical Environmental Concern designations that have compromised land and water health across the West.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

###