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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho would have the ability to enter into an interstate compact to pursue transferring control of federal lands under a proposal making its way through the Statehouse.
House lawmakers voted 45-23 on Friday to approve setting up the compact, facing from opposition from both Republicans and Democrats worried of the bill's unintended consequences.
Idaho lawmakers have advocated taking control of federal lands for years. However, Republican leaders say they are no longer demanding the federal government give up its public land. Instead, lawmakers say they want to pursue a variety of collaborative approaches.
The compact option is one of four proposals being considered this legislative session.
Utah was the first state to approve entering into such a contract, and a similar bill is being considered by Arizona lawmakers.
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