IDAHO: Lawmakers take new approach but maintain push for lands takeover
Greenwire: Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Idaho lawmakers are changing tone, planning to ask nicely instead of continuing to demand that the federal government cede control of its lands in Idaho to the state.
Idaho's Republican-dominated Legislature is one of several in Western states exploring the possibility of taking over federal lands within their borders. Many lawmakers see renewed logging as a way to boost the local economy and prevent wildfire, while opponents dismiss the venture as far-fetched and costly.
The softened tone comes after a report commissioned by a state committee put in charge of examining the economics of the swap indicated most scenarios would cost Idaho money (Greenwire, Dec. 9).
Instead of finalizing its recommendation as planned yesterday, the committee discussed the report with lawmakers, giving no indication it was giving up.
"I think most of us understand this is a long-term issue," said Republican state Sen. John Tippets. "If we ever get the land title, it'll be worth our while not to make any sort of demand but approach this as a cooperative effort. We should try that approach at least initially" (Kimberlee Kruesi, Idaho Statesman, Dec. 9). -- DTB
