FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 24, 2015
American Mining Group Lauds Gov. Otter Sage Grouse Litigation
Idaho is Right to Oppose BLM Epic Land Grab
The American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) today lauds Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s decision to sue the federal government over this week’s deeply flawed Land Use Plan Amendments (LUPA) and the recommended mineral withdrawals.
“Gov. Otter’s choice to put best available science and state solutions above a politically driven federal land grab is welcome. Sadly, the BLM set this unfortunate course to litigation long ago by its swift dismissal of the state’s efforts.” said Laura Skaer, AEMA Executive Director.
Today’s announcement highlights the deep impacts of the LUPAs and mineral withdrawals on public access and economic well-being for the rural communities who count on these lands the most.
Skaer added “We believe this is only the beginning of many long legal challenges over a poorly executed and unnecessary land use planning process. We are encouraged by Gov. Otter’s willingness to defend the constituent developed state plan that at one time received a concurrence letter from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Agency and was a co-preferred alternative. We wish Gov. Otter much success in this important battle for Idaho and the west.”
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Downloadable PDF: 9 25 2015 AEMA Gov Otter Sage Grouse Litigation