Labrador Letter – The Fight for Idaho’s Sovereignty Over Federal Lands. By Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador (10/29/24)
Last week, Labrador filed a brief supporting Utah’s lawsuit against the federal government regarding the widespread federal ownership of “unappropriated” land in Utah and throughout the West. “Unappropriated land” is land owned by the federal government but not used for any federal purpose. Utah’s suit asks the United States Supreme Court to release much of this land back to the ownership and management of the states.
The federal government claims and controls 61% of Idaho’s 83K square miles — land the State of Idaho can’t use. AG Labrador states that “the federal government simply acts as a self-interested landowner leasing out the land for timber, mining, and grazing—but without being subject to state law or state management practices.” This balance of power must change in order to restore the sovereignty and wealth to Western states and put them on equal footing with eastern states that have far less land under federal control.
Labrador cites such federal abuses as the Lava Ridge Wind Project (which almost no one in Idaho wants), and explains that the federal government consistently attempts to undermine the voice and opinions of the people of Idaho and regulate us into perpetual social and economic servitude.
ED NOTE
Many believe that federal “ownership” of Idaho’s forests also contributes to their mismanagement and the costly, devastating wildfires we experience year after year on federal lands. For best results, the state must control and manage its own resources.Related:
Frank Carroll: The Profound Issues With Wildfire Policy And Leadership. Is it time for a change (10/29/24). Idaho Governor Little's issues with the Forest Service are highlighted prominently (podcast requires subscription):
