For two years, the Idaho Legislature's Federal Lands Interim Committee has considered how, and whether, Idaho should attempt to wrest control of up to 34 million acres owned by all Americans and now administered by the federal government. We appreciate the attention that the committee has given to this issue; however 40-plus hours of meetings and public testimony have failed to highlight significant new information. We also welcome that some members of the committee have toned down their rhetoric demanding an immediate transfer of title. Still, last week, the Interim Committee wrapped up their report and recommended continuing to waste tax dollars (more than $750,000 proposed for 2015 alone!) on this effort. We advise the Legislature to heed the words of the majority of Idahoans who testified against this pointless crusade/Jonathan Oppenheimer, Idaho Conservation League (in the Coeur d'Alene Press). More here.

Question: If a legislator advocates that Idaho takes over federal land, he or she is an ideologue that is OK with wasting money on the fruitless, unconstitutional crusade. Thoughts?