“To me, it is pretty clear the Obama Administration’s climate change regulations circumvent the legislative process and take the decision about how to address our nation’s energy future out of the hands of the American people,” said Simpson. “The Administration is basically trying to use the EPA’s authority under the Clean Air Act to force Congress to pass cap and trade legislation that is widely opposed by the American people, all without regard for the impact that it would have on our still-fragile economy. “ Read more »

The House Budget Committee’s proposal reduces taxes and simplifies the tax code. It addresses entitlement spending, and it spurs economic growth. “We’ve done more than just cut spending, we have provided a blueprint of how to achieve the financial goals that Americans want and provided a long term plan to return our government and country to stable footing,” said Simpson. Read more »

“Congress never intended for pesticide applications that are already regulated under FIFRA to also require permits under the Clean Water Act. Yet because the court did not interpret congressional intent correctly, we must act now to ensure that farmers, ranchers, and forest managers—as well as mosquito abatement districts and local governments—won’t face unnecessary and duplicative regulations that would make it more difficult to do their jobs,” said Congressman Simpson during debate on the bill last night. “Everyone here supports protecting our water supply from polluters who are acting in violation of our nation’s environmental laws and regulations. But adding another layer of regulation by requiring NPDS permits for application of these pesticides doesn’t make them safer—it only piles unnecessary paperwork on top of day-to-day operations for small businesses, farmers, and local governments.” Read more »

“It doesn't take a doctorate in political science to recognize that this Administration's actions to close down Yucca Mountain are driven more by politics and a desire to please Nevada Senator Harry Reid than they are by science or what is best for taxpayers,” said Simpson. “Chairman Jazko is purposefully defying the will of Congress and acting unilaterally to waste billions of taxpayers dollars. It is very frustrating to me and to most Members of Congress that this type of manipulation is happening at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and we intend to make sure Chairman Jazko is held to account for his actions and that the requirements of federal law are fulfilled.” Read more »

“There is no doubt in my mind that the states, not the federal government, should be managing these animals,” said Simpson, who chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. “The Fish and Wildlife Service made the right decision in delisting wolves and returning management authority to the states. Idaho and Montana have "effective, approved plans in place for managing wolves and should regain control over management." Read more »

“Quite frankly, it is very frustrating to me that the Fish and Wildlife Service continues to cause great concern among my constituents and the people of Idaho by leaving open the possibility of ending recreational uses on Lake Lowell,” said Simpson following the hearing. “That is why it was important to put this issue on the table with the Deputy Director and Acting Director and let him know what I am hearing from the people of Idaho on this matter. Idahoans are upset, and rightly so, that an inflexible federal government would even consider banning recreational uses on any lake, much less one that is man made.” Read more »

“I recognize the value of providing opportunities for people to connect with our forests, National Parks, and amazing natural resources, but it doesn’t make sense to me that we would dramatically increase land acquisition instead of focusing our limited resources on desperately needed efforts to improve forest health,” said Simpson. “At a time when our forests are significantly overstocked and unhealthy, the Forest Service proposes reducing spending on hazardous fuels, forest health, grazing, and fire suppression. Many of these programs support private jobs in rural communities—from ranching and forestry to recreation and wilderness management—and should be a priority.” Read more »

One of Simpson’s biggest criticisms of the budget request is the fact that it diverts funding from land management accounts in order to fully fund land acquisition accounts. “With the current budget crisis facing our country, I find it puzzling that the BLM requests $50 million for land acquisition and $1 billion for the new America’s Great Outdoors initiative when it has difficulty managing the land it already holds,” said Chairman Simpson. “I’m deeply concerned that this proposal will exacerbate an already out-of-control problem facing the BLM, and that is the increasing cost of litigation. When you shift resources from land management to acquisitions, you are unable to provide the land managers in your field offices with the resources they need to make environmentally sound decisions, leaving the door wide open to groups looking for any opportunity to sue.” Read more »

Simpson again expressed deep concern about the Obama Administration’s Wild Lands initiative. “It’s no secret that Western Members of both parties—including myself—have very strong objections to your Wild Lands Secretarial Order granting the BLM the authority to identify and manage lands in the West as wilderness,” said Chairman Simpson. “Only Congress has the authority to designate wilderness, and I can guarantee you that any subcommittee bill this year will include a funding prohibition relating to the Wild Lands policy, whether it is included in the underlying bill or added on the floor with an amendment.” Read more »

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee supports National Ground Water Awareness Week.    If you own a household water well, you depend on groundwater. If you don’t have a water well, you still depend on groundwater in many ways. Either way, here are some things you should know about groundwater during National Ground Water Awareness Week,… Read more »