On Friday, President Trump signed the Fiscal Year 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act into law which includes Congressman Simpson's agreement on the Gateway West Transmission Line.

“I applaud President Trump for signing the fiscal year 2017 appropriations legislation into law,” said Congressman Simpson. “This bill contains many important provisions for Idaho including an agreement that allows the Gateway West Transmission line to pursue an Idaho-based solution while enhancing the Birds of Prey conservation area. This is a win-win for Idahoans.”

“We are delighted this provision was signed into law,” stated Danielle Murray, Senior Director of Programs for the National Conservation Lands. “This law expands protections for the unique raptor and eagle habitat in southern Idaho, while also allowing for the development of much needed energy infrastructure.”

“I'm grateful to Congressman Simpson, our delegation and key stakeholders for helping advance a critical economic development priority for Idaho,” Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said. “The Gateway West transmission line has been held up by federal bureaucracy for far too long, so I'm pleased to see legislation on this important infrastructure project finally moving forward.”

The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Boundary Modification Act allows the transmission line to be routed using the preferred alternative of the Bureau of Land Management’s Resource Advisory Council (RAC) and is supported by the State of Idaho and Idaho Power. The agreement also includes land in the NCA being removed from NCA status and managed as BLM multiple use land. In exchange, the Birds of Prey NCA will receive enhanced mitigation and conservation measures and an additional 4,800 acres will be added to the NCA.

The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Boundary Modification Act was cosponsored by Congressman Raul Labrador and received support from Senator Jim Risch and Senator Mike Crapo. The legislation is also supported by conservation groups and the State of Idaho.