Zinke votes to prohibit federal land sales or transfer
U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., broke with a majority of Republicans Wednesday to vote for an amendment that would have prohibited the Department of Interior from large-scale disposal of federal lands.
Introduced by Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., the amendment to the Department of Interior Appropriations bill would have prohibited the department from using funding in violation of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.
The amendment failed with 192 votes for and 237 against. Zinke was one of eight Republicans joining Democrats supporting the amendment.
While the amendment allowed for sale or transfer of federal lands on a case-by-case basis, it stated that the vast majority of land shall remain under federal ownership.
“The Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States that the public lands be retained in Federal ownership, unless as a result of the land use planning procedure provided for in this Act, it is determined that disposal of a particular parcel will serve the national interest,” the act reads.
The vote is the second time in recent months that Montana’s lone congressman has broken ranks to vote either against mechanisms for sale or transfer of federal land or in favor of the federal government retaining ownership.
In April, he voted against a Republican-backed budget resolution that set up a fund for sale or transfer of federal lands.
“I grew up just outside Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. I understand our land is our way of life,” Zinke said in an email. “It supports our tourism and timber industries and provides an unrivaled landscape for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and vacation for millions of visitors and locals alike. I will always be a steadfast defender of Montana public lands.”
Federal land sale or transfer has become a divisive political issue during the last year. Movements to gain more local control by transferring federal lands to states has seen support from some conservatives who cite a need for better management and producing revenue.
The Montana Wilderness Association, one of several conservation groups opposing land transfers, has maintained that Montana could not afford to manage federal lands within its borders, and would have to sell them off to avoid going broke.
The association applauded Zinke’s vote.
“As one of eight Republicans to vote for the Polis amendment, Congressman Zinke has once again taken a courageous stand on behalf of America’s public lands and Montana’s outdoor way of life. We thank him for backing up his vocal support of our public lands with his votes,” said Addrien Marx, the association’s state council member and owner of Rovero’s in Seeley Lake.
Distributed by Tribune News Service