Representative Mike Simpson

The Simpson Standard

July 28th, 2024

Dear [salutation],

It was a big week back in DC! The House PASSED my Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This bill will help reduce energy costs, protect American jobs, and ensure that we can continue to access our public lands to recreate, hunt, and develop on our natural resources. Read more about this legislation below.

That said, I authored a provision in this bill that BLOCKS the Lava Ridge Wind Project Final Environmental Impact Statement from moving forward. As Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee—which has jurisdiction over the BLM—I remain committed to fighting with the people of Idaho in opposition to this out-of-touch project.

Also, this week: I sent out a survey asking for your input regarding establishing a bipartisan House task force to investigate the horrific attempted assassination of President Trump. I am happy to announce that the House unanimously voted in favor of this resolution.

Interior & Environment Appropriations Bill PASSES House

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 PILT program, makes critical investments for our Tribes, and prioritizes funding for Wildland Fire Management, including permanently addressing wildland firefighter pay.

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.

Highlights of the bill

BLOCKING the Lava Ridge Wind Project

Last month’s final Environment Impact Statement for the Lava Ridge Wind Project was a slap in the face to Idahoans. Despite numerous concerns voiced by Congress and the Magic Valley, the Biden administration and the Bureau of Land Management continue to ignore Idahoans and ram through renewable energy projects that lack local support.

From the beginning, I have made it clear that the Lava Ridge Wind Project is out-of-touch and has no place in our state. I am proud that my FY25 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act champions Idaho priorities.

Investigating the Assassination Attempt on President Trump

This week, the House passed H.Res. 1367, a bipartisan resolution that establishes a special task force on the attempted assassination of former President Trump. This task force will examine security failures, ensure accountability, and make sure something like this never happens again.

The American people deserve answers.