Press Release: Chairman Simpson Fully Funds PILT, Blocks Lava Ridge, Prevents a Sage Grouse ESA Listing, and Reins in the EPA

By Press Release • March 6, 2024

The following press release was sent out by the office of Congressman Mike Simpson. Press releases do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.

WASHINGTON— Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson – Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee – released the following statement after the package passed the House. This bipartisan package of six annual spending bills will adhere to the Fiscal Responsibility Act discretionary spending limits and January’s topline spending agreement.

“As Chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I worked very hard to create a product that boosts our national security, creates American jobs, and refocuses Washington spending, all while protecting Republican priorities,” said Rep. Simpson. “I’m proud that this legislation encourages domestic energy, protects funding for wildland firefighters’ pay, and reins in Environmental Protection Agency overreach and maintains the prevention of an Endangered Species listing of sage grouse. I am also pleased that this bill champions Idaho priorities, like blocking the out-of-touch Lava Ridge Wind Project until the Secretary of Interior consults with local elected officials and stakeholders and reports back to Congress.

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“It is abundantly clear we need to refocus Washington’s spending. Over the last few years, government spending under Democrat control skyrocketed, adding trillions to our national debt and causing inflation to rise nearly 18 percent. This legislation is a positive first step in reducing unnecessary federal spending while continuing to make critical investments.”

Highlights of the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act include:

Reduces EPA funding by nearly 10%.
Blocks the Lava Ridge Wind Project until the Secretary of Interior consults with local elected officials and stakeholders, alternate plans to reduce the harmful impacts of this project.
Prevents an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of sage-grouse.
Expands access to critical minerals.
Fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.
Protects public access for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands.
Maintains firefighter pay and capacity for wildland firefighters.

The final Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills contain the following bills:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies.
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

The measure was approved with a vote of 339-85. This funding package will advance to the Senate for further consideration.

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