Wyoming Range Legacy Act: A Wyoming Legacy Worth Protecting
Responding to broad-based and bipartisan support from Wyoming residents, in October 2007, Senators John Barrasso and Mike Enzi introduced the Wyoming Range Legacy Act:
- Withdraws 1.2 million acres of Bridger-Teton National Forest lands from future mineral leasing, while not affecting valid existing lease rights.
- Sets up a process for voluntary retirement of mineral leases.
- Ensures that if leases expire or are retired, the area is not available for future leasing. Federal funds may not be used to buy out leases, but other funds can be used.
- Is similar to other legislation has been successfully used in the Rocky Mountain Front of Montana and Valle Vidal in New Mexico.
