Idaho Representative joins bill banning sale of public land

Idaho’s U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson has cosponsored a bill banning the federal sale of public lands. The bill, titled “Keep Public Lands in Public Hands,” was introduced following the reported discussion of selling public land to help fund the Trump administration’s agenda, according to Politico’s E&E News.  

On Tuesday, April 8, Simpson co-sponsored legislation that would prevent the sale or transfer of most public lands managed by both the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service. 

Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana, and Rep. Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico originally introduced the bill in January. It was cosponsored by Simpson and by Rep. Troy Downing of Montana. 

The bill was proposed in an effort to conserve public lands, making the transfer of 300 or more acres of any public sections of federal land to non-federal organizations illegal. 

According to the program director of Conservation Voters for Idaho, Ryan McGoldrick, public lands cover nearly 63% of Idaho. 

It’s also estimated that the state’s public lands generate roughly $7.9 billion for Idaho’s economy annually, according to local conservation groups who spoke to KTVB. 

Over the course of his 14 terms in office, Simpson has become a passionate advocate of public lands. One of his more notable stances occurred in the 2010s, when he pushed for the creation of the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness area in southern Idaho.His drive to protect these lands and his objection to selling them differs from many of his peers. 

Back in February, Idaho congressman U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher cosponsored a bill to repeal the 2024 Bureau of Land Management rule that required the agency to consider conservation as an eligible use of its land. 

The 119th Congress has taken several actions that could pave the path to the sale or transfer of public lands. Most recently, the Senate rejected a proposal that would have barred the sale of public lands during the recent budget reconciliation process that is occurring in Congress.  

In April, the House suggested that the House Committee on Natural Resources consider selling public lands as part of that same budgeting process. 

Regardless, while the security of public lands may not be as sure as before, Simpson and his collaborators continue to fight for its protection and conservation. 

Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected].