East Idaho Times

WASHINGTON— This week, the United States House of Representatives passed the Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson—a cosponsor of the WEST Act—voted in favor of this legislation. This bill withdraws the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recently finalized “Public Lands Rule” and would prevent future issuance of a substantially similar rule. The BLM’s rule is a seismic shift in public land management that upends the agency’s multiple use mandate, which has guided land management practices across the West for 50 years.

Rep. Simpson expressed his concerns about the impact of the BLM's rule on Idahoans, stating, "This rule will significantly impact how Idahoans interact and enjoy the 12 million acres of BLM land across the state." He highlighted the long-standing tradition of multiple land use in Idaho, saying, "For decades, Idahoans have cherished the concept of multiple use on public lands and have proven to be responsible stewards." Simpson also emphasized the potential negative consequences of the rule on various activities dependent on federal lands, stating, "The rule jeopardizes years of successful management and collaboration by the very people who rely on our federal lands for ranching, grazing, recreation, and more."

The WEST Act garnered bipartisan support in the House, with a vote of 212-202. Rep. Simpson, who serves as the Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing the BLM, reaffirmed his commitment to opposing the rule, saying, "As Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee—which has jurisdiction over the BLM—I will continue to push back against this misguided rule."