Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement in response to the Department of the Interior’s announcement that they will take public comments in an effort to improve the current Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land use plans.

“Today’s announcement from the Department of the Interior regarding BLM’s sage-grouse management plans is welcome news in Idaho,” said Congressman Simpson. “Secretary Zinke and his team should be applauded for taking this important step which is needed to restore the collaborative process between federal and state partners and to realign the federal plans in Idaho with that of the state’s. I look forward to working with Governor Otter to refocus these plans on their original intent - which is conserving species through common sense measures that work for Idaho’s landscape.”