Jason Chaffetz Kills Public Land Bill After Kicking Hornet's Nest

Rep. Jason Chaffetz has withdrawn a bill to transfer three million acres of federal land to 10 states after taking withering fire from hunters and others who rely on the public land for hunting, fishing and other recreation.

The Utah Republican withdrew the Disposal of Excess Federal Lands Act on Thursday, said the Washington Post.

“I am sensitive to the perceptions this bill creates in the current environment,” Chaffetz said in a letter to House Natural Resources Committee chairman Rob Bishop. “As a proud gun owner, hunter and public lands enthusiast, I want to be responsive to my constituents who enjoy these lands. I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders in the broader public lands discussion in a collaborative manner.”

The bill would have turned federal land over to state governments in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming.

This move comes just three weeks after House Republicans issued a new rule regarding the selling of federal land. The move ultimately gives Congress more leeway for this type of transfer of land, which is something Bishop has been putting a lot of energy into.

“Allowing communities to actually manage and use these lands will generate not only state and local income tax, but also federal income tax revenues,” House Natural Resources Committee spokeswoman Molly Block said. “Unfortunately, current budget practices do not fully recognize these benefits, making it very difficult for non-controversial land transfers between governmental entities for public use and other reasons to happen.”

Cheffetz withdrew the bill a day after he posted a picture on Instagram of him dressed in camouflage with his dog, according to Fortune.

 

I am withdrawing HR 621. I'm a proud gun owner, hunter and love our public lands. The bill would have disposed of small parcels of lands Pres. Clinton identified as serving no public purpose but groups I support and care about fear it sends the wrong message. The bill was originally introduced several years ago. I look forward to working with you. I hear you and HR 621 dies tomorrow. #keepitpublic #tbt

A photo posted by Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) on Feb 1, 2017 at 9:06pm PST

The proposed measure had sparked rallies in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Helena, Montana.

“Once that bill was introduced, the hornet’s nest was kicked,” said Land Tawney, the president and CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, according to The Guardian. “What happened last week was just a small fraction of the ire the sportsman community has been feeling.”