U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., made the following comments after wolf language in a budget bill was released. The new bill would not delist wolves in Wyoming, but makes clear a court ruling last fall that U.S. Fish and Wildlife was wrong to reject Wyoming’s wolf management plan, would not be effected by the new bill.

“Ideally Wyoming wolves should be removed from the Endangered Species list along with Montana and Idaho. But short of a regional delisting the next best scenario is ensuring that Wyoming is not disadvantaged in the future and that the favorable court decision is intact,” said Enzi.

“I will work to ensure that this issue is resolved and management of the wolves is returned to Wyoming. While the language does not go far enough in terms of delisting the wolves in Wyoming, it is another important step to protect our rights to have a plan that works for our state.” said Barrasso.

The Wyoming delegation worked with other members from the region to ensure that the language did not nullify District Judge Alan Johnson’s ruling that it was wrong for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) service to reject Wyoming’s wolf plan which includes appropriate protections for wolves throughout the state. The wolf provision is part of an appropriations bill to fund the government through September and is expected to be brought up for a vote in the Senate this week.

The delegation will continue to support Governor Mead’s efforts to work with the FWS to delist Wyoming’s wolves.