New Billboard Praises Idaho Congressman On Conservation

A billboard was recently installed at 802 Bannock Street, in Boise, calling for United States Congressman, Idaho Representative Mike Simpson's support for the Great American Outdoors Act. 

The Great American Outdoors Act, which would permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), as well as service the incredible backlog of America's National Parks by diverting 50% of all federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or alternative or renewable energy on federal lands and water, was actually introduced to Congress by Simpson himself earlier this year.

So, one might ask, why the billboard?

Today, Environment America, who paid for the billboard, sent a press release stating the following:

"The billboards, which were commissioned by Environment America, a network of nearly 30 state environmental groups, specifically target House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA), Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC), Rep. Mikie Sherill (NJ), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA), Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA), Rep. Elaine Luria (VA), Rep. Ben McAdams (UT), Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Rep. Mike Simpson (ID) to pass the Great American Outdoors Act."

Steve Blackedge, the Conservation Program Director for Environment America, said via phone that the billboard in Idaho (where Environment America does not have a local office) was intended as a literal sign of gratitude for one of the bill's champions.

"The billboard in Boise was intended to acknowledge and praise," Blackledge said. "We want to continue to push for our champions."

While United States Senators Risch and Crapo voted "No" in the Senate vote this past week, the bill passed 73-25.

Blackledge said although timely, the billboard was not an action taken in response to the Senator's votes.