NOLS Statement on the U.S. Senate’s Passage of the Wyoming Range Legacy Act

January 15, 2009

by John Gans, NOLS Executive Director

John_gans_100 On January 15, 2009 the late Senator Craig Thomas’s memory was honored when the U.S. Senate passed the Wyoming Range Legacy Act by a wide margin. A critical part of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, this act will protect 1.2 million acres of Wyoming’s history and heritage from oil and gas development. This bill strikes a careful balance between energy development, a vital aspect of Wyoming’s economy, and the values that we Wyomingites hold dear—wild country, outstanding outdoor recreation, and open spaces.

The Wyoming Range has long been a favorite destination for our outdoor education courses, and for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts across the state. We thank Senator John Barrasso for his stalwart support and proactive efforts to see this bill through and Senator Mike Enzi for his support of the legislation. Governor Dave Freudenthal’s longstanding commitment to the Wyoming values protected by this act are also greatly appreciated.

Contact:
Jennifer Lamb, NOLS Public Policy Director, [email protected], (307) 335-2262
Aaron Bannon, NOLS Wilderness Advocacy Coordinator, [email protected], (307) 335-2312

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Written By

Aaron Bannon

Aaron is the former environmental stewardship and sustainability director for NOLS.