WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Public Lands in Public Hands Act. This bill would maintain public access to public land by banning the sale or transfer of most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the United States Forest Service except under specific conditions and where required under previous laws. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT).

“Idaho’s abundance of parks, forests, and public lands makes our state a wonderful place to live, work, and play,” said Rep. Simpson. “Public lands were set aside for public use, and we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same benefits we sometimes take for granted today. As a lifelong Idahoan and Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I have worked long and hard to protect Idahoans’ way of life by preserving access to Idaho’s public lands while ensuring the federal land management agencies are good neighbors. I am pleased that this legislation upholds that commitment, and I thank my friend Rep. Zinke for his leadership on this issue.”

“There’s no doubt our federal lands need to be better managed; however, transferring or selling them is not the answer, and Congressman Simpson gets that. When you grow up in the West, public lands aren’t just scenic views or recreation areas, they’re part of who you are,” said Rep. Zinke. “In Idaho and Montana, there are millions of acres of mountains, forest, and lakes that must be managed and protected so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy their birthright for generations to come. Thank you to Congressman Simpson for joining on this legislation and standing up to keep public lands in public hands.”

The full text of the bill is available here.