In a tie vote, the Wyoming Senate has defeated a resolution that called on Congress to transfer all federal land in the state, excluding Yellowstone National Park, Wyo File reports.
Despite attempts to amend the resolution to exclude certain protected lands such as Grand Teton National Park, national forests, monuments, and historic sites, the measure ultimately failed with a 15-15 vote, as Senator Stephan Pappas was absent.
The resolution, known as Senate Joint Resolution 2, was proposed by Senator Bob Ide, a Republican from Casper. Ide argued that the US Constitution mandates the federal government to relinquish control over public lands, asserting that these lands rightfully belong to the states and their citizens.
“We need to defend our borders here,” Ide said during the debate.
Senator urged lawmakers to act in line with constitutional principles.
Before the final vote, two amendments were introduced to address concerns raised by other senators. The first amendment excluded Grand Teton National Park from the demand for a land transfer, a move supported by Senator Mike Gierau, a Democrat from Jackson, who emphasized the importance of the park to his district.
“We hold these lands dear,” Gierau said. “We hold these lands sacred.”
The second amendment, offered by Senator Ogden Driskill, a Republican from Devils Tower, excluded national forests, monuments, historic sites, and other nationally designated areas from the resolution’s demand. With these exclusions, the remaining federal lands primarily under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management were the main focus of the proposal. These lands, which contain valuable natural resources such as oil, gas, and coal, were seen by proponents as a potential economic boon for the state if they were placed under state control.
Despite these amendments, the resolution failed to pass after a final vote. Senators then voted 16-14 against reconsidering the measure, ensuring its permanent defeat.
The debate surrounding the resolution sparked strong reactions from both sides. Supporters of the land transfer, like Senator Ide, viewed it as a constitutional duty to reclaim control of public lands for the state. On the other hand, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts celebrated the defeat of the resolution. Joshua Coursey, president of the Muley Fanatic Foundation, praised the Senate’s decision, saying it stood up for Wyoming’s public lands and the state’s way of life.
Local business owners, including Luke Todd, owner of The Sports Lure in Buffalo, also voiced their opposition to the land transfer. Todd expressed concern that such proposals could negatively impact industries that rely on public land access, particularly tourism and recreation.
