Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Risch today obtained the passage of H.R. 1138, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act. This bill, commonly known as the Boulder-White Clouds wilderness bill, was authored by Congressman Mike Simpson in the House of Representatives. The Senate passed this legislation unanimously.

 “Through a collaborative effort, Congressman Simpson crafted this legislation that is truly an Idaho bill,” said Risch.  “Regardless of where people are on this issue there isn’t anyone who would disagree that the heart of this area is one of the most remarkable places in the world. The bill identifies that land for management as well as wilderness and releases 153,000 acres from de facto wilderness. Importantly, a vast and diverse coalition of the land users and preservationists came together as a result of Congressman Simpson’s work and created an Idaho solution. I am glad to see that every one of my Senate colleagues agreed and supported this Idaho bill.”

 Video of Senator Risch’s floor speech and the vote can be found on the Senator’s YouTube page or downloaded via FTP link.

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