Just across the border, Idahoans don’t seem to have the same sentiment about transferring lands to the state. Polls show a majority of Idahoans reject the idea due to cost of management and the constitutional obligation Idaho would have to sell the land to maximize profit. I’m curious why according to the poll you stated, the majority in Utah support the transfer of lands, even electing such strong proponents for this view, including the Utah governor, reps and senators. Our state reps and governor have all in some capacity stated their shared value to keep public lands federally protected, with Crapo and Risch disagreeing with Lee’s proposal. Mike Simpson has championed the public lands caucus with Zinke. Idaho is becoming more united against these tactics. Do you have any insight into why Utah has taken a different road?
Also, in my opinion, a senator from Utah should not be making such sweeping and consequential decisions about Idaho’s federal lands. If Utah supports this, as the poll suggests, then Lee can make decisions about Utah’s federal lands but it’s an overreach in my opinion to include Idaho in his proposals from his DC office.
Thanks for your thoughtful podcast!
