The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to pass the Great American Outdoors Act, a bill meant to address funding shortages for conservation and maintenance on public lands.
The bill creates funds to address millions of dollars in maintenance backlogs on federal lands managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
It also creates permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund through taxation of offshore oil and gas leases. The fund was established in 1964 to preserve natural areas and create recreation opportunities.
"I am thrilled to see this legislation on its way to President Trump's desk where he will sign the bill into law," Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson, a Republican, said in a news release. "Not only does this bill support hundreds of thousands of jobs, but it protects and maintains our public lands for generations that aren't even born yet.
"I grew up on the doorstep of Yellowstone, and so many communities in Idaho benefit from the outdoor access and the economic impacts of our public lands. The Great American Outdoors Act ensures that projects are vetted by Congress annually, funds the programs without using taxpayer funds, and continues important state- based projects like greenbelts, parks, and community pools. Bottom line, this bill is great for Idaho and public lands across this country."
In a statement on the House floor Wednesday, Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher, who voted against the bill, said rural Idahoans had "serious concerns regarding additional federal land acquisition, especially at a time when federal resources are stretched so thin."
"More federal land equals less land being intelligently managed, and often more wildfire," Fulcher said.
He also called the permanent funding in the bill "a red flag," saying lawmakers should instead regularly oversee funding.
Conservation groups joined Simpson in celebrating the bill's passage.
Officials with the Idaho Conservation League said in a news release that the bill's passage is a boon for hunters, anglers and other recreators in Idaho's outdoors. Director Justin Hayes said in the release that he expects the bill to boost Idaho's economy, as well.
"As a result of the House's action today, we'll soon see Idahoans at work restoring trails, campgrounds, wildlife habitat, and other resources on our public lands," Hayes said.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.
