Lawmakers are moving forward on moving the BLM out of the swamps of Washington and into the backyard of the people they serve out West.
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner and U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton officially got the ball rolling this week with legislation to authorize the move.
“It is critical that land management decisions impacting the West are made by the people who know the land best,” said Congressman Tipton. “Moving the BLM’s headquarters to a Western state would help ensure that federal agencies have a full understanding of the ways their decisions impact our families and communities.”
Grand Junction was the target city, but instead the bill authorizes the move to any western state, including Alaska.
We’re not sure why they decided to change the language, although they say Colorado’s Western Slope is still the destination they desire.
“While BLM headquarters anywhere in the West is a step in the right direction, I have made it clear I think Grand Junction is the best place for the agency’s new home,” continued Gardner.
It’s certainly likely that getting the authorization first will have stronger support if the exact relocation is initially generic to the western U.S., but the trick will certainly be getting Congress to agree afterwards where the final location will be.