Senator Barrasso Promised to Carry On the Work of the late Senator Craig Thomas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) welcomed the passing of the Wyoming Range Legacy Act, the Wolf Compensation Bill and the Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Act in the United States Senate today.
“The Wyoming Range Legacy Act completes Senator Thomas’ work to protect a very special part of Wyoming. I just spoke to Susan Thomas and told her the President plans to sign the bills into law on Monday.”
Two other bills important to Wyoming also passed. The Wolf Compensation Bill compensates ranchers for livestock killed by wolves. The Snake Headwaters Act provides special designation to the Snake River. All three bills were introduced by Barrasso.
Wyoming Range
The Wyoming Range Legacy Act will protect more than 1.2 million acres of the Wyoming Range from future oil and gas leasing, while respecting the property rights of current leaseholders.
“There are certain places in Wyoming that are so special that they need to be protected and preserved,” Barrasso said. “The Wyoming Range is such a place. It will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
“Today is Wyoming’s Day. It is a day for the Wyoming Range and for future generations of Wyoming people who will hunt, fish, and hike these mountains,” Barrasso said.
Wolf compensation
Barrasso’s wolf compensation bill will reimburse ranchers who have lost livestock to wolves through a five-year grant program.
“Washington’s decision to force the introduction of the wolf on Wyoming has been a danger to ranchers’ livelihoods. Washington should pay for the damage to our ranchers,” Barrasso said. “Senator Tester and I worked across the aisle to introduce some Western common sense to solve this Washington-made problem.”
Snake River
The Snake Headwaters Legacy Act gives the Snake River a “wild and scenic” designation.
The bill was originally introduced by the late Senator Craig Thomas who passed away in June of 2007. Senator Barrasso made good on his promise to carry the bill through the Senate.
“The designation is a badge of honor for Wyoming,” Barrasso said.
“Visitors from around the world contribute millions of dollars to our economy each year. The wild and scenic designation safeguards this valuable resource,” Barrasso said.
“I just know that Craig Thomas is smiling down on us,” Barrasso said.
The legislation, part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, passed the House by a vote of 285-140. The bill now moves to the White House for President Obama’s signature.