Idaho Lawmaker Takes Public Lands Issues to D.C.
Friday, April 4, 2014
GOODING, Idaho – An Idaho lawmaker joined a delegation of other western lawmakers in Washington this week to talk about public lands issues.
The general discussion focused on a more balanced approach, including weighing conservation and outdoors tourism as equal to grazing, mining and other development.
Rep. Donna Pence in Gooding says she is especially interested in the status of the idea that the Boulder-White Clouds become a national monument.
"And I'm really concerned about the economic situation in those areas around it,” she stresses. “That's about their only resource."
Pence says those areas depend on tourism, but local residents also want more input on any decisions related to the Boulder-White Clouds.
Pence says while public lands belong to all Americans, Idahoans consider themselves to be guardians of those lands when they're in their backyards.
That's why she wants to be sure local residents are given opportunities to offer input and kept apprised about decisions, especially when they impact recreation.
"Quite a few people take advantage of those, and it is a source of income, and can be all year-round,” she explains. “So I'm thinking we have to look at that aspect."
Pence adds there was also discussion about updating the nation's royalty rate for oil and gas, which brings money to rural communities.
The rate hasn't changed since 1920, and while Idaho has not been a hotbed for oil and gas development in the past, exploration has become active in several areas of the state recently.
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