Rep. Michael K. Simpson, U.S. Representative for Idaho's 2nd District | Ballotpedia
Rep. Michael K. Simpson, U.S. Representative for Idaho's 2nd District | Ballotpedia
The United States House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, issued a statement following the bill's passage.
“I am pleased to see the House pass my Fiscal Year 2025 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which will help reduce energy costs, protect American jobs, and ensure that we can continue to access our public lands to recreate, hunt, and develop our natural resources,” said Rep. Simpson. “As Chairman of this subcommittee, I promised to draft a bill that protects important programs that states and local communities rely on. To achieve this, I have once again authored language that fully funds the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, makes critical investments for our Tribes, and prioritizes funding for Wildland Fire Management, including permanently addressing wildland firefighter pay."
Rep. Simpson also highlighted several provisions within the bill: "Among many victories, I am also pleased that this bill champions Idaho priorities like blocking the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project from moving forward and maintaining my long-standing provision prohibiting a greater sage-grouse ESA listing. I thank Chairman Cole for his leadership and guidance and my colleagues' support on the floor today.”
Key aspects of the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act include:
- Blocking the Lava Ridge Wind Project Final EIS from moving forward.
- Expanding access to critical minerals.
- Blocking restrictions on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands.
- Stopping the Bureau of Land Management’s Conservation and Landscape Health rule to ensure continued access to public lands for grazing, recreation, and energy development.
- Fully funding the PILT program.
- Reducing EPA funding by 20%.
- Limiting abuse of the Endangered Species Act.
- Including a permanent wildland firefighter pay fix.
- Directing BLM to work with Idaho on providing appropriate access for aquifer recharge projects.
The measure was approved with a vote of 210-205. The funding package will now advance to the Senate for further consideration.
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