Risch Bills to Bolster Public Lands, Idaho Water Advance to Senate Floor

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) celebrated the passage of his legislation to strengthen Idaho’s public lands, address important water infrastructure, and increase wildfire mitigation through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The three bills now await action by the full Senate. “There is no question that Idahoans care deeply about our public lands and water systems. The responsible, commonsense bills passed out of committee will help maintain our public lands, prevent critical water infrastructure from falling into disrepair, and mitigate wildfire risk,” said Risch. “I urge the Senate to pass them quickly so these treasured resources can continue serving Idahoans for generations to come.” Senator Risch’s Urban Canal Modernization Act, S. 2753 , would allow states to use Bureau of Reclamation aging infrastructure funding to help address repairs for urban canals with extraordinary maintenance issues, like the New York Canal in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. The Wildfire Prevention Act, S. 140 , introduced by Senators Risch and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), would cut red tape hindering forest management projects and increase the use of existing resources, like grazing, for wildfire mitigation. While the bill includes a provision to nullify the 2001 Roadless Rule, Idaho and Colorado’s state-specific rules are exempt. The America the Beautiful Act, S. 1547 , introduced by Senators Risch and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), would address maintenance backlogs on federal lands by reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund.