C.L. "BUTCH" OTTER GOVERNOR November 28, 2016 The Honorable Mike Pence Via Hand Delivery Dear Vice President-elect Pence, Congratulations to you and President-elect Trump on your historic victory. I look forward to working with you and your administration in the coming years. The State of Idaho and many other western states have struggled with unnecessary and ill-informed decisions from the Department of the Interior that continuously threaten Idaho's sovereignty over its land, water and wildlife. The federal government manages over 60 percent of the land in Idaho, and recent federal land management decisions directly impact Idahoans who rely on access to public lands for their livelihood and lifestyle. These decisions also have significant economic spillover onto State and private lands. As Governor, it is crncial that I be an equal paiiner in decisions that affect the land, resources, and fish and wildlife species within my state. There are several time-sensitive issues I'd like to bring to the transition team's attention because I believe there is a path to resolution. One example is greater sage-grouse. Idaho was invited to help develop a collaborative, science-based plan aimed at conserving and restoring sage-grouse and its habitat within Idaho. After years of development, the State and the local offices of the federal agencies involved reached agreement on a comprehensive management plan. However, in the final stages of planning, Washington D.C.-based officials changed course, closed ranks, and drastically altered the plan developed by Idaho. Unfo1iunately, this has become an all-to-familiar pattern under the Obama administration and, as a result, Idaho and other western states have suffered. With a new administration in LheWhite House, it is my hope that many of these issues can be resolved in collaboration with the affected states. I've included with this letter brief descriptions of several Depaiiment of the Interior decisions impacting Idaho. I stand ready to be of any assistance to you and President-elect Trump during this transition period and beyond. · As Always - Idaho, "Esto Perpetua" Cfd~~ C.L. "Butch" Otter Governor of Idaho STATE CAPITOL• BOISE, IDAHO 83720 • (208) 334-2100 Greater Sage-Grouse In 2010, the U,S, Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determined that the greater sage-grouse was warranted for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). In response to that determination, in 2011, then-Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar invited 11 western governors to collaborate with the federal land management agencies to address the threats to sage-grouse and ave1t a listing, The governors were encouraged to develop their own alternatives for their respective states to be incorporated as "alternatives" into the federal land-use plan amendment process. In accepting the Secretary's offer, Governor Otter assembled a Sage-Grouse Task Force to develop a state-based plan for sage-grouse conservation on federal lands. This plan would conserve sage-grouse while ave1ting the need for an ESA listing of the species. Within the plan, the task force identified actions necessary to ameliorate the primary threats to the species in Idaho, which are invasive exotic annual grasses and wildfire. The plan, referred to as the "Governor's Plan," was developed in close coordination with sage-grouse experts, state and federal officials, as well as industry and conservation representatives. Ultimately, this plan endorsed by Idaho-based federal officials -- was selected as a preferred alternative within the planning effort. Idaho was well positioned to implement the Governor's Plan. Unfortunately, top-level bureaucrats within the Interior Depaitment in Washington, D.C., closed ranks and abandoned the state-specific approach during the final planning stages and opted for a more restrictive management regime across the West. This was done behind closed doors and without any open vetting process with the states. Without scientific justification, the federal agencies designated a new habitat zone known as "Sagebrush Focal Areas" (SFAs), which closed off more than 10 million acres across the West, of which 3,8 million acres is in Idaho, from new resource development. Consequently, everything from oil and gas exploration and development and mineral extraction to electrical transmission lines and livestock grazing now will be prohibited or severely restricted within SF As, resulting in significant economic harm to western states, The designation of SFAs also triggered a separate environmental analysis for the withdrawal of 10 million acres of sage-grouse habitat from locatable mineral entry, including 3.8 million acres in Idaho. The analysis process is under way, and Idaho remains clear in its position that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) should select the "No Action" Alternative as the proposed plan . Mining is not a primary threat to sage-grouse. After many attempts to work out a compromise with the Department of the Interior, the State of Idaho filed a legal challenge requesting that the land-use plans be withdrawn to allow implementation ofldaho' state-based plan or, at the very least, to allow the states time to analyze the last-minute, top-down restrictions. Several other states and industry groups also have filed lawsuits seeking similar redress. President Trump's administration will have a significant role in resolving the problems with these land-use plans and restoring the commitments made by the federal government to treat states as equal partners in the planning effort. BLM Planning 2.0 On February 25, 2016, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed amendments to existing regulations that establish the procedure used to prepare, revise, or amend land-use plans pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) in an effort known as "Planning 2.0." The BLM utilizes these procedures to prepare and amend resource management plans (RMPs) that guide future BLM decisions on federally managed land. Planning 2.0 and its associated rules violate FLPMA, which directs BLM to "establish procedures ... to give Federal, State and local governments and the public, adequate notice and opportunity to comment upon and participate in the formulation of plans and programs relating to the management of public lands." 43 U.S.C. 1712(f). Unfortunately, there is a shift from "shall" to "will" throughout the entire regulation. "Shall" is a generally recognized legal term of art that mandates a non-discretionary action. Without such affirmative language, the BLM can develop planning rules without consulting the affected states and local communities, which runs counter to FLPMA's requirement that BLM "use and observe principles of multiple use and sustained yield" and "coordinate with other federal agencies, Indian tribes, and the States and local governments." See 43 U.S.C. 1712(a) sec. 202(c). The BLM must withdraw Planning 2.0, and if appropriate, substantially modify and improve the rule. That process should include reissuing the proposal and providing an oppo1iunity for public review. Improvements should include the addition of language to ensure that states have an opportunity to be an equal paiiner in all land-management decisions. Critical Habitat Rules In February 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) finalized a number of regulations related to the designation and application of critical habitat under the ESA. These new regulations greatly expand the Service's reach and authority relative to critical habitat. The new regulations define the previously undefined term "geographical areas occupied by the species." The new definition authorizes the Service to designate areas that species infrequently use or that are "not used on a regular basis." Further, the new rule allows the Service to designate areas currently unoccupied by a species with a showing that the area has the potential to possess the necessary physical or biological features to support the species. In other words, the Service can designate areas of critical habitat by showing that there is a reasonable expectation that the necessary habitat features will occur sometime in the future. Similarly, the new definition of "destruction or adverse modification" allows the Service to unilaterally determine that a proposed action within currently unsuitable habitat could be deemed to result in the adverse modification of critical habitat if the action could plausibly slow or impede the "ecological processes" of the habitat. Without more direction for determining when in the future the habitat may become suitable, the Service could make the determination that adverse modification to critical habitat is likely to result from a proposed action in almost any situation. 2 These critical habitat regulations could have a devastating impact on the economy and way of life in Idaho and other western states. As such, the State of Idaho encourages President Trump's administration to abolish these new critical habitat regulations. Gateway West Transmiss ion Line On October 7, 2016, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Land Use Plan Amendments for Segments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West Transmission Line Project in Idaho. The BLM ignored the commonsense collaborative solution in Alternative 1 and the advice of local expe1ts. Instead, the agency indicated that its prefe1red alternative was going directly through pristine wildlife habitat in Owyhee County, Idaho. In issuing this decision, the BLM ignored the significant impacts on private and State lands in and around Owyhee County, as well as the impacts to wildlife, including sage-grouse. Prior to issuing the Record of Decision, the BLM should withdraw its preferred alternative and select the well-vetted, negotiated and collaborative solution that is represented in Alternative 1. It is crucial that President Trump's administration commits to establishing genuine partnerships with states in land management planning effo1ts. De listing· the Greater Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Popu lation The Yellowstone grizzly bear population occupies portions of the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Through considerable local, state and federal cooperation, this population is biologically recovered and has been for well over a decade. Public safety and other bear-human conflicts are common as this population is at or very near carrying capacity for that ecosystem. Delisting this population would provide needed regulatory flexibility for states to address conflicts while maintaining a recovered population of Yellowstone grizzly bears. For many years, the three states have urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to proceed with delisting the Y cllowstone grizzly bear population. The Service finally published a proposed delisting rule in March 2016. The states and the Service have since addressed components within the proposed delisting rule and the associated Conservation Strategy, which serves as the post-delisting agreement among state and federal wildlife and land management agencies. After much discussion regarding appropriate roles of state and federal authorities and population management objectives, the states and the Service finally agreed on appropriate revisions to the Conservation Strategy. The Service committed to finalizing the delisting rule, but says it may be unable to publish a final rule before the change in administration. The states want to see the rule finalized - as agreed upon with the Service and other federal agencies in November 2016 - as soon as possible, and no later than the one-year deadline for finalizing a de listing rule in March 201 7. 3 December 19, 2016 The Honorable Ryan Zinke United States House of Representatives 113 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 RE: Department of the Interior; Greater Sage-Grouse Resource Management Plan Amendments Dear Mr. Zinke, Congratulations on the recent announcement that President-Elect Trump selected you as his nominee for Secretary oflnterior. I look forward to working closely with you in the coming years. While there are many issues within the U.S. Department of the Interior that affect the state ofldaho, the most pressing of these issues is the greater sage-grouse. As you may know, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined the greater sage-grouse was not warranted for listing in September 2015. The Resource Management Plan Amendments (RMPA) with sage-grouse specific management developed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) served as the basis of this decision. At the invitation of then-Secretary Salazar, I created a diverse task force and asked it to develop a plan to be analyzed as part of the BLM's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This plan ultimately was selected as one of the two preferred alternatives in the Draft EIS, and I worked with local BLM and USFS offices to address their concerns with my plan. However, in the months prior to publishing the Final EIS, Washington-based Interior officials closed ranks and changed course, adding new management actions that had not been analyzed or subjected to public comment. In the lawsuit I filed in September 2015, I contend that these new actions, including a new mitigation policy, violated the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). While my lawsuit and the several others that were filed work their way through the courts, the BLM and USFS continue to work on implementing the RMP As. My staff and affected agencies remain engaged in implementation in order to reduce the disastrous effects the RMP As will have on Idaho's economy while ensuring that the actual needs of the bird are met. There are three key areas I am concerned about in the implementation process. The first is development of Instructional Memoranda (IM) to provide guidance for BLM and Forest Service district offices for implementing the RMPAs. The Honorable Ryan Zinke December 19, 2016 Page 2 Governors and state agencies should have important roles to play in developing IMs. Unfortunately, under the Obama administration, states are treated no differently than any other stakeholder in the RMPA development process, and the development of the IMs for sage-grouse has been no different. The IMs created thus far do not add clarity to the plan and go beyond providing guidance. Instead, BLM has circumvented rulemaking requirements by using the IMs to create new policy and rules for land use. Going forward, I ask that the Department of the Interior and BLM treat governors as fellow land managers and equal partners in the development of IMs. Secondly, the proposed plan identified in the Final EIS included a new mitigation standard. At the draft stage, BLM's plan proposed to require "no net unmitigated loss" for large-scale infrastructure. However, the proposed plan in the Final EIS requires "a net conservation gain." My lawsuit contends that this is an illegal change. However, while we wait for a final court decision, my staff and affected agencies face uncertainty as to what "net conservation gain" means. This threshold is not defined and will have a significant impact on development in Idaho. I ask that USFS and BLM meaningfully engage with Idaho and affected industry to define this term. Finally, the RMPAs also asked the Secretary to withdraw approximately 10 million acres from locatable mineral entry, of which 3.8 million acres are in Idaho. Mining poses a relatively minimal threat to sagegrouse so this recommendation was difficult to comprehend. However, Secretary Jewell acted immediately, temporarily segregating this land for up to two years starting in 2015, and initiating the NEPA process to withdraw it for 20 years. I have been engaged in this process from the beginning and submitted my own alternative to be considered in the draft EIS. However, I urge you to select the "No Action" Alternative in this separate NEPA action. Mining activity in sage-grouse habitat in Idaho is minimal to non-existent. Yet 3 .8 million acres stand to be locked up from exploration for at least 20 years. The Withdrawal process is an unnecessary waste of BLM's limited resources. I look forward to working closely with you and the Department of Interior on this and other important issues. Thank you for your attention and positive consideration. As Always - Idaho, "Esto Perpetua" C.L. "Butch" Otter Governor of Idaho Cc: Doug Domenech, Transition Team Tom Pile, Transition Team C.L. "BUTCH" OTTER GO '/ ERNOR Janua1y 30, 2017 President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, Please accept my hearty congratulations and sincere thanks for the executive actions you already have taken, as well as your developing legislative agenda, to fundamentally change the direction of our national government. As a former member of Congress and now Governor of Idaho, I am paiiicularly grateful for the opportunity your administration offers for improving the federal government's relationship with the states. As you know, the citizens of Idaho strongly supported your candidacy. Now they are hopeful, as I am optimistic , that your leadership and commitment to meaningful change will restore a reliance on the principles of federalism that have contributed so much to America's greatness. I write today to provide you with some insight into what the leaders ofldaho's State government feel would be among the most impmiant changes your administration could make toward fulfilling that goal. They are nonpa1tisan, commonsense recommendations that I believe min-or your approach to governing. My leadership team provided a plethora of specific ideas for adjusting how the federal government does business with states like Idaho. Aside from opposing unfunded mandates on states, Idaho's suggestions reflect the frustrations we have experienced throughout my ten years as Governor in our interactions with federal pa1iners. They fall into three categories: collaboration, flexibility, nnd consistency. First, the Idaho consensus is that real collaboration with states on programs and initiatives that require federal consultation, approval or funding sho:uld be written into the DNA of every pati of our national government. It must be more than the lip service and top-down bureaucratic exercises that too ofteri characterize what is supposed to be a true partnership. That is particularly the case with the agencies that serve as landlords over the nearly two-thirds of Idaho that is owned by the federal government - the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service - as well as agencies responsible for regulating the management and use ofldaho's natural resources, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. My Soil and Water Conservation Commission specifically recommended that an executive order be issued "defining coordination as it exists in the Pederal Land Use and Management Plan and in the National Forest Management Act 1982 Planning Rule and require the adoption ·of that definition by the USDA and Interior agencies. This would encourage the harmonization of federal, state, and local policy and planning efforts within all USDA and Interior agencies." · STATE CAPITO L • BOISE, IO/\HO83720 • (208) 334-2100 President Donald J. Trump January 30, 2017 Page 2 The impacts of federal actions that undermine or ignore state realities on the ground are particularly challenging in those circumstances where federal and state lands are intermingled, impeding effective management efforts by either level of government. John Chatburn of my Office of.Energy and Mineral Resources recommends that, "To improve management of both federal and state lands, the administration should work with Congress to simplify and expedite the federal-state land exchange, sale and conveyance processes.'' The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) similarly seeks a more collaborative relationship with the EPA in order to ease the burden of federal regulators on Idaho agribusiness. For example, the EPA has proposed significant, costly and frankly unnecessary changes to certification and training (C&T) regulations for the use of pesticides. "EPA has not done an adequate job of engaging the states in the development of the pi·oposed regulation," ISDA Deputy Director Brian Oakey wrote. "The C&T rule should be withdrawn until the EPA can engage the states in a meaningful and productive way to address any legitimate certification or training deficiencies that may exist." Beyond resource-related issues, an increased emphasis on collaboration also extends to such human services as Medicaid. For instance, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dick Armstrong wants to see your administration work collaboratively with state representatives from the National Governors Association and the National Association of Medicaid Directors on how to most effectively and seamlessly replace the Affordable Care Act in a way that avoids unintended consequences while meeting the needs of beneficiaries, taxpayers, and state budgets and economies. One of the Idaho Depm1ment of Finance's responsibilities is protecting against securities fraud that hits older citizens especially hard. But its work sometimes is frustrated by federal regulations that do not take local measures or conditions into account. Finance Director Gavin Gee wrote, "Federal agencies should be required or encouraged to cooperate with state authorities in detecting and preventing elder financial exploitation. Any new legislation or regulation in this area must be a collaborative effort between federal and state authorities." The time-consuming, human resources-intensive area of compliance with the moving target of federal regulations is central to Idaho's desire for more OexibiUtyin the national government's dealing with states. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the effo1is of sparsely populated rural states to ensure compliance with the complexity of Dodd-Frank and other financial services rules imposed in response to the Great Recession. "It is imperative that the federal government reduce the crushing bank regulatory burden and bifurcate regulations in order to 'right size' them for community banks and large banks," Director Gee wrote. What's more, "The preemption of state regulation of fina1_1cial institutions must cease. The states' important role in consumer protection and fostering financiai innovation is being threatened." From determining how best to allocate public health funding to our communities to enabling states to determine "unhealthy food choices" for which federal food subsidies should not be used, and from letting states decide when it is appropriate to test unemployment insurance applicants for the unlawful use of controlled substances to waiving federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements on projects funded by Community Development Block Grants, reining in federal regulatory overreach is front and center on the minds of Idaho's state leaders. President Donald J. Trump January 30, 2017 Page 3 "There is also more that can be done to remedy artificial, and we believe arbitrary, restrictions that impede our delivery of care and benefits to veterans," said David Brasuell, administrator of the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. "While many (U.S. Depaiiment of Veterans Affairs) regulations are necessary to enhance the highest quality of care, increased enforcement actions and laborious reporting requirements hinder quality care eff01is by redirecting current resources away from patient-centered care." Finally, it should be noted that consistency in government is neither foolish nor what Ralph Waldo Emerson called "the hobgoblin of little minds." In fact, consistency in the directives, requirements and oversight eff011s employed by the federal government is essential to coherent governing at the state and local levels. Without it, Idaho and other states are left to reinvent the wheel every time new rules are imposed, revised or even waived often one state at a time, with each in its turn being required to jump through the same set of hoops as the last. That is, unless the hoops themselves are moved, natTowed or otherwise changed. A prime example of how inconsistency can stymie government efficiency and effectiveness is the existence of 50 different state-level information systems operating under the auspices of the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Medicaid Management Information System. "The costs to taxpayers for each system are unnecessary and wasteful," Health and Welfare Director Armstrong wrote. "A universal system would maximize functionality per capita while maintaining fiscal responsibility nationally." Director Armstrong went further, calling on the new administration to create "consistent policies and guidelines across all federal HHS agencies, using state service delivery standards to streamline administration, minimize costs, and improve customer outcomes." "Health and Human Services agencies have different policies, administrative rules, processes, and interpretations that must be incorporated into the design of states' service delivery processes," he wrote, "These often-conflicting and inconsistent policies create an administrative quagmire that is expensive, confusing, and counterproductive to delivery of needed services to eligible and needy families in a cost-effective manner." . . Among the most pressing concerns facing Idaho, both from the criminal and public health standpoints, is the utter lack of consistency di splayed by the Obama administration in enforcement of federal marijuana laws. In that respect, Idaho is a virtual island of compliance, and we are paying the price. "It is vital that the federal government understand that significant harms are being foisted upon states that continue to adhere to federal drug laws. Our youth, taxpayers, law enforcement officers, jails, and healthcare systems are all significantly impacted by the legalization of marijuana in neighboring states," wrote Elisha Figueroa, administrator of the Idaho Office of Drug Policy. "We do not allow states to violate environmental laws just because they voted to do so, primarily because it impacts those around them. Why then are states being allowed to violate drug laws that have enormous negative consequences for neighboring states?" With all that in mind, and considering the clearly expressed direction of your leadership on this issue, I strongly encourage you to appoint an Office of State Liaison within the White House at your earliest convenience. Such an office could provide invaluable assistance toward improving the communication, the collaboration, and ultimately the working relationship between your Executive Branch and state governors. What's more, it would serve as an unmistakable embodiment of respect for the principles of federalism that distinguish our republic. President Donald J. Trump January 30, 2017 Page 4 Mr. President, I have every confidence in your commitment to changing the culture in Washington, D.C., away from one of celebrating entitlement and asse1iing more and more control over the lives of the American people. I hope this overview from Idaho provides you with some fodder for advancing our shared goals and improving the public's trust and sense of ownership in their government. I appreciate your time and consideration of these points, and I look forward to working with you as partners for American progress. As Always - Idaho, "Esto Perpetua" Cfd~Gk, CLO/mw Cc: U.S. Senator Mike Crapo U.S. Senator James Risch Representative Mike Simpson Representative Raul Labrador C.L. "Butch" Otter Governor of Idaho DRAFT-CONFIDENTIAL March 7, 2017 The Honorable Ryan Zinke Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: Rescinding the Gateway West Transmission Line Project Record of Decision Dear Secretary Zinke, Congratulations on your confirmation as Secretary of the Interior. I am excited to begin working with you and your staff to reshape Idaho's relationship with the Department of the Interior (DOI). As a fellow westerner, I am confident you recognize that DOI during the previous administration consistently failed to implement collaborative, commonsense solutions on public land management issues. I am writing to ask that you take action to correct one such failure by rescinding the Record of Decision (ROD) for egments 8 and 9 of the Gateway West Transmission Line Project. At the 11th hour of the previous administration, former Bureau of Land Management (BLM) director, Neil Kornze, made a political decision to issue a ROD for the Gateway West project. Director Kornze's decision directly contravenes the consensus route developed and supported by the State of Idaho, the Idaho BLM state office, local government officials, conservation groups, the project's proponents, and affected citizens. The ROD can be rescinded by any official within the Office of the Secretary or the BLM National Director. Once rescinded, the BLM or DOI may the reissue the ROD in conformance with the consensus route or defer the decision to the Idaho BLM State Director, Tim Murphy. No additional NEPA is necessary ifBLM makes a determination of NEPA adequacy. Your action on this issue will send a strong message that DOI intends to treat western states as co-managers of our public lands. I look forward to building a strong and collaborative relationship between Idaho and the Department of the Interior. Please do not hesitate to contact John Chatburn at (208) 332-1660 if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you. As Always - Idaho, "Esto Perpetua" C.L. "Butch" Otter Governor of Idaho cc: Idaho Congressional Delegation Tim Murphy, Idaho State BLM Director DRAFT-CONFIDENTIAL March 15, 2017 The Honorable Ryan Zinke Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Mail Stop 7329 Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Zinke, Congratulations on your recent Senate confirmation. I look forward to working with you and your team at the Department of the Interior on the many issues impacting Idaho and the West. One issue of particular economic concern throughout the West is the introduction and spread of noxious aquatic plants and such aquatic nuisance species as quagga mussels and zebra mussels. Like Montana, Idaho's strong agriculture industry would be at serious risk should these aquatic nuisance species be introduced into our streams, lakes and rivers. Idaho is requesting your leadership on this issue. There is an immediate need for a collaborative effort between the Western states and the federal government to prevent, control and eradicate the spread of these harmful aquatic species. To this end, I urge the Interior Department to convene a meeting as soon as possible with the affected states and begin developing a series of strategic recommendations. As you likely are aware, the Western Governors' Association (WGA)has helped states tackle difficult natural resource issues, and I think WGAwould be an excellent vehicle for facilitating such a meeting. I appreciate your attention to this critical issue and look forward to your positive response. Idaho stands ready to offer its help and assistance in reducing and eliminating this threat. As Always - Idaho, "Esto Perpetua" C.L."Butch" Otter Governor of Idaho Dear Secretary Zinke, It was my pleasure to host you and Secretary Perdue in Idaho in early June, along with Idaho's federal delegation, state agency directors and industry leaders. Your commitment to collaboration with the states, including Idaho, was a refreshing and much-needed change to the previous eight years of topdown federal mandates. As we move forward together as partners in managing Idaho's lands and resources, I want to commend you for protecting public lands and for your comments on Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. There has been much discussion at the federal level on the issue of monuments, and I believe Craters can serve as a model for you and your department in other states. Idaho has worked hard to meet the many needs of competing interests and found a unique balance through collaboration with various industries, cities, counties, and the tribes located near Craters. The monument has become an indispensable economic engine for the surrounding communities, providing jobs and recreational opportunities while generating cash flow for rural Idaho towns. A 2016 National Park Service report showed that in 2015 Craters had 246,825 visitors who spent $8.4 million in communities near the monument. That spending supported 133 local jobs and provided a cumulative benefit of $9.5 million to the local economy. The study also showed that total visitor spending had increased from $6.3 million in 2012. Through this collaborative model, Idaho has found the right balance that often is sought after yet seldom achieved in public policy. As you mentioned, some parties will want more and some will want less for Craters, but leaving it alone allows the many agreements and memoranda of understanding that have been forged over the years to remain in place. People from across the world can come to Craters and enjoy its wonders; grazing and sage-grouse efforts can remain protected, and local communities can continue to rely on this important part of Idaho's economy. On behalf of the citizens of Idaho, thank you again for coming to see for yourself how federal, state and local governments can work together to serve the people . I look forward to our continued dialogue and efforts on this important issue. February 21, 2018 The Honorable Ryan Zinke, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C. Street , N.W . Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Zinke, Renewal of several livestock grazing permits in southwestern Idaho's Owyhee County, pending since 1997, now is held up by litigation over the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) flawed 2014 decision to reduce permitted grazing by 35 to 62 percent on the allotments in question. The BLM's Idaho office failed to consider either range improvements that would abate or mitigate resource concern s or less-onerous mitigation tools than the ordered reduction in active-use animal unit months (AU Ms). Such cuts are unsustainable for the affected ranchers and unjustifi ed by conditions on the ground . The ordered AUM reductions al-sewere not based on any determination of grazing capacity, nor were they informed by adequate monitoring or assessment. Further , this is an area that is at great risk of catastrophic wildfire . Livestock grazing is one of the few effective tools available to the BLM in manag ing the risk by reducing fine fuel loads, yet the agency's actions serve to restrict its own ability to utilize this tool. Ta gi•Je•;01:1 a leel f-OrHie sGope ef t he lm paet of tl~is lsswe, Owyhee County is one of the largest counties in America, and, over 75 percent of its land i~khe-la~1a-witllill-the-ta1:1~..,... s owned by the federal government. As a result, land management decisions have a direct and serious impact on local families and the area's economy. Nearl·; 1,200 sei1:1are m~ii'e€tl y-impatt-eEl-by-tlcli~11'igat-iaA;-Wh i el:l-eqf..4Ater-lGMf-y0lHG~~ ~kl-lM!-i~ed,+€Moo~oll to taket he stej&fle-cessaP/ to ari Aj;41ie11'1 1:1p ta dat-eri I ask ui:ge-that you te employ!!_rgg your staff to seek resolution to this decades-long issue. The cattle ranchers~ El-t-tiesegraziAttef m-itsr who afld the eAti,:esustain the economy of thi s rural county in Idaho ~H\ISlaiAee--b y tile eaHl~ust-P; have too much at stake to accept the BLM' s seemingly predetermined outcome. Thank you for your serious and positive consideration of this issue. As Always - Idaho, "Esto Perpetua" go? big? C.L. ?Butch" Otter I Governor of Idahosmeer?ely; March 12, 2018 Ms. Janice Schneider Asst. Secretary for Land and Minerals Management U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Mr. Neil Kornze, Director Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW, Rm. 5665 Washington, DC 20240 Re: Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement Thompson Creek Mine, Challis, Idaho ' Dear Assistant Secretary Schneider and Director Kornze, I write to request that the Department of the Interior complete, as quickly as possible, its review of the Notice of Availability (NOA) to Issue the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Thompson Creek Mine Modified Mining Plan of Operations. The NOA process began in the Idaho State Office last September and the draft was submitted to the Washington Office of the BLM for its review in mid-November 2014. The sole purpose of this document, which is about two pages when published in the Federal Register, is to announce the issuance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed mine expansion. The NOA for the FEIS is virtually identical to the NOA for the DEIS, which was approved by the Washington Office in very short order in early 2014. No approvals or policy decisions are inherent in issuance of the NOA. The FEIS itself has been finalized, printed and will be distributed upon completion of the NOA. I know the administration shares my belief that we can protect the environment while creating and preserving jobs and other economic opportunities . Thompson Creek has mined molybdenum on this property since 1983, and the proposed expansion will enable it to continue mining for approximately eight years. The additional impact on federal property of the expansion will be only about 15 percent of the total mine area. The mine operates in compliance with numerous federal and state environmental permits, and permitting and related monitoring requirements by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality will continue if the expansion is approved . The mine now is on care and maintenance because of market conditions for molybdenum. When the mine is operating, it has about 355 full-time employees who are paid some of the highest Asst. Secretary for Land and Minerals Janice Schneider Director Neil Kornze March 12, 2018 Page 2 wages in the region. The mine's significance to the economic well-being of central Idaho is difficult to overstate. Thompson Creek's objective is to have the mine fully permitted so that it can resume operations as soon as market conditions improve. We appreciate your immediate attention to this matter and our state's need to keep this important project moving forward. As Always - Idaho, "Esto Perpetua" q.d~~ C.L. "Butch" Otter Governor of Idaho cc: Timothy Murphy (Director, BLM Idaho State Office) Karen Rice (District Manager, BLM Idaho Falls District Office) Todd Kuck (Field Manager, BLM Challis Field Office) Sam J. Eaton From: Sent: To: Subject: Cally Younger Sunday, February 25, 2018 9:53 AM Sam J. Eaton Fwd: Watch Zinke Live Now Cally Younger Acting Deputy Solicitor for Land Resources Office of the Solicitor U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St., NW Washington, DC 20240 202-208-1671 cally.younger@sol.doi.gov Begin forwarded message : From: "Swift, Heather" Date: February 23, 2018 at 8:41:04 AM EST To: undisclosed-recipients:; Subject: Watch Zinke Live Now Watch Secretary Zinke and Secretary Perry live at CPAC now https ://www .youtube .com/watch?v=sxRmg4NJCgA Heather Swift Department of the Interior @DOIPressSec Heather wift@i-os.doi.govI Interior Press @ios.doi.gov 1 INTERSTATE WIR WESTERN REGION ~~ :\.\fr..CountySupervisors ~ASSOC I " loC ~ I J T I\ .., f , IO t I l N t> ·• ~ Association of Oregon Counties • ra :~; ,,..,P, 4-.. RCRC ,~oa...... , ~ rn rn s1011.ers UTAH COUNTIES ASSOCIATION OF T/KtUnll)'llt9Voif W Friday, February 23, 2018 3:45 PM staffcouncil@westgov .org James Ogsbury Final WGA-Counties DOI Reorg Letter DOI Reorg - groups.pdf Importance: High From: Sent: To: Cc: Staff Advisory Council: Attached is the final WGA-Counties Letter on DOI reorganization. It reflects the new documents from DOI this morning: (1) the revised regional office map, which more closely aligns with state boundaries than the previously released map; and (2) frequently asked questions and other informational documents, which commit to discussing the proposed map with Governors and state and local officials. Please review the letter prior to your Governor meeting with Secretary Zinke . Safe travels and have a good weekend . Britta Beckstead Policy Advisor for Energy and Environmental Management 720.897.4541 I bbeckstead@westgov.org 1600 Broadway, Suite 1700 I Denver, CO 80202 I Western Governors' Associat ion Please join us at the WGA Annual Meeting in Rapid City, South Dakota J June 25-27, 2018 / Register Online! 1 Sam J. Eaton From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: John Chatburn Thursday, February 22, 2018 8:58 AM Konenkamp, Matt; John Swartout - DNR Gordon Larsen; Sam J. Eaton RE:Sec of Int Sam Eaton is traveling with Governor Otter to DCtoday. John Chatburn Administrator Idaho Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources 304 N. 8th Street, Ste. 250, Boise, Idaho (208) 332-1660 john.chatburn@oer.idaho.gov -----Original Message----From : Konenkamp, Matt [mailto :Matt .Konenkamp@state .sd.us] Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2018 4:20 PM To: John Swartout - DNR Cc: John Chatburn; Gordon Larsen Subject: Re: Sec of Int How can we organize an effort to have it be a group meeting? Sent from my iPhone > On Feb 21, 2018, at 5:13 PM, John Swartout - DNR wrote: > >Weare working on a noon one, but told Secretary's Office we would > prefer multiple Governor's; especially if topic is Reorganization > > Sent from my iPhone > John Swartout > Senior Policy Advisor > Governor John W. Hickenlooper > 720-556-1682 > john.swartout@state.co.us > » On Feb 21, 2018, at 4:09 PM, Konenkamp, Matt wrote : >> » We have a one on one meeting with Zinke but would prefer a group meeting. Has any thought been given to this? > 1 Sam J. Eaton From: Sent: To: Subject: Holly Propst < hpropst@westgov.org > Monday, February 12, 2018 3:45 PM abovingdon@mt.gov; Alex Whitaker; Alexandra Kaney; Angie Byrnes; Bill Whitacre; Britta Beckstead; Carly Cordell; Casey Katims; Dan Baer; Deb Kinsley; Drew Johnston; dseiden@az.gov; esther.fleming@gov.mp; Gordon Larsen; Grace Beck; hmoore@az.gov; Holly Propst; James Ogsbury; Jason Miner; Jerry Strickland; Jessica Crowder; Joe Rassenfoss;joepereira48@hotmail.com; Johanna Easter; John Chatburn; John Crowther; John Swartout; kadams@az.gov; Keith Gardner; Kevin Moss; kimberly.pallick@resources.ca.gov; kmathews@wdc.ca.gov; laurel.a.johnston@hawaii.gov; Lauren DeNinno; Levi Bachmeier; Lisa Hiraoka; Loren Hatch; margaret.metcalfe@guam.gov; matt.konenkamp@state.sd .us; Matthew Deleon Guerrero; mike.mccartney@hawaii.gov; Nathan Sanderson; Pam Robinson; Patrick Holmes; Robert Duff; Robert Randall; Ruchi Sadhir; ryan@nevadadc.org; Sam J. Eaton; Sarah Olsen; Teal Takayama; Todd Ferrara; Toni Vigil; Troy Timmons; Ward Scott; Zach Bodhane Zinke Comments on Governors' Concerns -- DOI Reorg Dear SAC Members: Note the article below. We will discuss this - among other things -- as part of our WDC coordination call on Thursday. As is our practice, an agenda and call packet will come to you in advance of the call. Hope you can join us (whether or not your governor will be in WDC in late Feb.). SAC Call Thursday, February 15, 2018 2 p.m. MT/ 4 p.m. ET 1-800-704-9804, access code 38539797# Holly Propst Deputy Executive Director I Policy Director Western Governors' Association 1600 Broadway, Suite 1700 Denver, CO 80202 p: 303.623.9378 / f: 303.534. 7309 www.westgov.org NTERIOR Reorganizationgets funding, new focus in budget 1 M ichael Doyle, E&E News reporter Published: Monday, February 12, 2018 II Af'r!:J c4":~~ ::..,~ ~ Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, shown here in a file photo, today elaborated more on the plan to reorganize his agency. @SecretaryZinke/ rwitter The nation's governors will soon get a chance to review the Interior Department's still-evolving reorganization plans, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said today . "We'll send that out to the states, to get the states' input," Zinke said, adding that "we should have our proposal out to the governors probably in the next couple of weeks." Zinke revealed his intention to solicit gubernatorial feedback during a briefing on the department's proposed $11.7 billion budget for fiscal 2019. The budget proposal includes $17.5 million devoted to the ambitious reorganization effort. "At the budget hearings, we'll be able to talk in more detail, based on the states' comments," Zinke said, alluding to the role Congress will play. Drawing on his prior military experience with unified combatant commands, Zinke has proposed adopting a similar concept for Interior's multiple agencies. Currently, officials note, Interior's bureaus have more than 40 distinct regions, each with its own geographic boundaries. Echoing his previous comments , Zinke today said officials have relied on maps compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey that use watersheds, wildlife corridors and other elements to "come up with 13 unified regions." The initial concepts were presented to about 150 Senior Executive Service employees last month during a two-day meeting at Interior headquarters. "We're making some changes, based on their input," Zinke said today. 2 In a Feb. I letter, members of the Western Governors' Association complained about not being consulted on the reorganization efforts (E&E News PM, Feb. 2). The letter included a number of pointed questions. "Six of the seven land-based DOI bureaus currently have state or regional offices with boundaries along state lines," the governors noted. "Why has DOI deviated from the use of state boundaries in this proposal?" Interior currently employs nearly 70,000 workers. The budget proposal overview states that "the 2019 budget assumes efficiencies, reduces lower priority programs, and supports 59,759 full time equivalents. To accomplish this, the department will rely on a combination of attrition and separation incentives." "We don't have to move a lot of people or RIF [lay off] anyone on the reorganization," Zinke said, noting that "about 16 percent of Interior is retirement age today." As senior employees retire in Washington, Zinke added as an example, "we can change that billet from a GS-14 to maybe a GS7 and push more assets to the front line, where they belong." A GS-7 in D.C. starts at $44,941 a year, while a GS-14 starts at $112,021. The budget proposal calls for $5.9 million each to be spent in fiscal 2019 on reorganization efforts for the Bureau of Land Management and the Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as $3.4 million for the Bureau of Reclamation and smaller amounts for other agencies. The money would "support the establishment of common regional boundaries and shift some BLM, FWS, and Reclamation headquarters staff to the West," according to the budget proposal. On another closely watched reorganization front, the proposed budget notes the department is "continuing to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages" of keeping the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement separate organizations, with the added observation that "revenue collection activities need to be separate from safety." Zinke added today that "we're stiU looking at it pretty hard." "Ifwe combine them, what are the unintended consequences?" Zinke asked. "We just have to walk it through very carefully." 3 January XX, 2018 Honorable Ryan Zinke Secretary U.S. Department of the Int erior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Zinke: Western Governors appreciate your e#er-ts-desi.r:e.to improvethe cfficjen~restrue w re-t~ie Departm e nt of the Interior (DO I)so that it can~g;wl~tieR a-ne•mor e efflEiently ~ffectivel~n~~ p_qng,~J l_e1. ~~~c:l~.Q.~~.~!"-~[J_il ~i. !Jfl.. J!=i.~l~~~~~!''l!.~~f!l£~~!'.~.E!~ DeJ}al"'-1ueitB-v,~ge+1~AA1-stAg-at14-ar~a~y-oonm-lml*-t •e •tH,1FeaH~is ----- ·- · -·-.--···I Commented [881]: MT edit ~):R' e1~hipg«in, D.G. Governors believereformbroposa ls~hould ~1siness practice d, .... •. .~[@odi;d - . ip thou --ghtfu -- l .anal w. ysis - ' of~e11ey.J\,J anaibc:Addluona!ly. webeheyethatcarefully considered oooormoltiesforsharedservices.process':. improvements . management changesandotheradministrativereformsacrossDOIBureaus wesem · f&HltB:l!tft:ilfitttt:JH:fil:5e-fftfcan leadto effkieni;y. costsayings. improvedservices. andforcheranc1;1 oH>Gfs-mi-&Sie11and fi1rtheranc1;1 ofD01'sruission-aaekt>sttiuYtflei .... ·-...... ·--· ··. -········--········ ·.. . .._ . iAeA7ic-ieney-a nfl4he-oofl<..:efll:-FilaeA-BH.le~<+ ~ ·l l . ••• ,.._ •• - - ----- ·-·•••·••••••···•··· •· ·· • ,;• .. . .. . ,...._ ·;i"',o'.:;_t•.,•••••-•••..::_.-"V" 10 •• • ·· . ,.~, :~ . ¥ - •• •••• •••••••••••••• - - • .. 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( , Despite these- origeirr g 11([.rl'll,Western Governors regretthat DOI did has-not ooeic~u atcl-y ~.e..:um. the impact of this proposal, en-£-tel'e5-~Jld..di d not nieaningful.. 1¥-consult.1 i!J.nily.to engagewithlill-OPOI R.MP.i?.-.Ql$!~~5P.*-"i1.wm..t<1 Y.9 .~ ~.ei.H'.'i~ -have -fl•ft,ll+ve-tmptieaHrmrrfo F·Stat+Lw=Fe-ig,ntJh-We: af'.e-pt1mlttldri&H'lfamj:lle,-;1s w-how -t-e-F~kHil~i:a13aSflwi-4i~;.Ft!ga ,~mi,e..o~HIG;lfie-s-wi1ciHh~.e,:s:..iE!flil1-aa1,lltlfllo)' "reform agency Commented [FT11J: CA ed It Commented [FT12J: CA edit 0ver-the-managemeatcof-¾,esourees-wi-f.hln-tbese--0e\lfl B3f'ie~ci ajly sjR®:fill(::ftf$e se'len li!Hfl: i1i!S!'d -t.Ql;-011r:eaWi:WfffftfffiV<.'-!;\'r1;W::&F-f-e:Ri1m aW-6re1!::W:itft:lw 1mdilfies-a~ te-liBes~ &iFly <:l~r,f;i~~ vero&FS-woul<-1-iiave--.1le~O I-H>-Ule-&i~~~ tm J-!W5 eG--ffiiffige5-wsuJ&-have-&n4ale!rand •l:Aeil'-unitsof leca!-geveFAffi~, D!Ws-f.-ifulre-te-HH¥.,Hk--witfl-51cate-&-Ril6-l'eSttttea-i•H)-pl'OfJGS~at-d&t'!H l ~IIH'IWaale • &Aahma--sta~,fjHirem4!-Ht5-~tat-e-c• HSl.itati8 R, f.8(:),GffiMi&A;-fli'!Q-ffimm\illi€afH)R; -~'tr:PQJ¥fhe -13-ropo s&a-f'tlilflg€!Hil3-I it-Gekl~aT Jda ho,-Gr-egen;-af!El-Nev ada-in t-e-th1:ee n; g101P.nifld-C--ali-fe-Hlhl-;--M-e-nt-a-Ha, -lltew-Mruc1€&,--Yra-h,Wasl:i ingt-0n, nd-W.yoming-int<,,ctwo..r-eg ions, +lll-! 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f0€esses . i'l'lfl111fkl!!-the potential foi:-el; fminntwe:enoofWrtrfi,:5{6f--' 4ffiRIOtSlfi\(filf ·,.'}QQNl - wrn€b50uld-f<1ise-,z95ts-f9F-St;lleS F.Gt~:Ut aml:1 11ffl!ll!Hifflefules fer consullal;l&n, ' ,. ' ' "\ • ¾ 41' Western Governors are ea er and willing totU~eu&.rw1fk with youand'your agencies onwarranted drnnges to theEQflsulf:lm:~ ,.I?~g?:r. 1!1~ !l~Q l;s mission. ,! ' ,\, s With respect to DOl's proposal to change the bureaus' .regional oftict boundaries1 We~tern Governors did not have the opportunity to hear in advance "~hElb~sTs for DOl's prop0sal and conseq uently were not able to provide comments before the "ptibposa l was released to the public on January 10. We have attached initi al qt1estions rega rding DOf'~:proposa l to this letter . . ,, ' ~ "" Western Governors have - during this Admih_ist:rati0n and over tim e - endeavored to improve the state-federal relationship and operate as authentic pa"rtners · with feder-al agencies. (Please see WGA Policy Resolution 2017-01 •.BuildiJ1ga Stronier;,S;tate,f.FegeralRelat'onship.) Western Governors regret that DOI did no t seek irlputf i om western states" 'on the impact of this proposal and did not seek to engage in meaningful consult~ ion with . _es'tern Governors regarding these proposed changes. Western Gover ~ors did request an oppoctunity to engage with DOI on this matter in a letter to you dated April 19, ' 2'.017. (Please ~see attacb.etl letter.) Western Governors are eager and • > ~ ~ willing to work wi_thy2u and your;agencies -0-nwarr~nted changes to the Departmental structure that would l)leet DOI'.s efficiency ,goals while avoiding unintended consequences, which we can discussJu r ther should yo~ b~ wiliiii.~--t~ _consult with us on the matter . .-~ .~ Western G0vernors hope to t-XOr.1< with DOf to improve the partnership that must exist between our state governmen_t_~and D01 agenc .ies if the land and resources of the West are to be managed responsibly. A'cs_o'rd!ngly, we urg~ you to delay implementation of these proposed regional boundary change's ~d engage with Governors about options that will both meet DOl's objectives and prove to be workabl~ fo1:s~te and local governments . . .,, / Resp ectfu lly, Dennis Daugaard Governor of South Dakota Chair, WGA David lge Governor of Hawaii Vice Chair, WGA Western Governors' Initi al Questions: Department of Interior's Proposal to Change Bureaus' Boundar ies January xx, 2018 Western Governors have the following questions regarding the proposal of the Department of the Interior (DOI) to change the bureaus' regional office boundaries: • H-Ow-4fl-Q~&HSult with states 0n-t11~~llf18ary ehanges-p~l11eil' r elease{L_----··· · What are DOl's future plans for state consultation on the proposed boundary changes? Commented [B81): co noted that this question was odd in light of the letter, which states that consultation did not occur. Does DOI intend to consult with states on other aspects of DOI rei rganization? How did DOI assess the management and fiscal efficiencies.ialne .d by this proposal? Will DOI share its reasoning for the proposal with states? ·• 1r • ~\ : ... • \\ '-:: Why are these proposed boundary changes nece~saeytoachieve D01'.s,~o~a ls of reducing conflicts among bureaus, decentralizing decisio.' -making authority, arld If vjng a regional single point of contact? •• ·' :1'. ~ ' • ,, Six or the seven land-basedDOI bureauscurrently !\ave state.or regionaloffices.w ith boundariesalongstate lines. Why has DOI deviated from l!heuseof state boundariesIn this proposal?Did DOI consider aligning·tl\.e boundariesof bur'eai1officesbelow headquartersby organizingthosecommonboundariel alo'ngstat_&tmtlaFies-spl it-f'4versaA~.s+n$-Hl~e!-1H-egiens-{e-,g,Reg.ien~-md -±G-,we-spU~fle-Geltiart'l&ia-Rw(ff•anfk!le-G&larad~el'-bas+IH5-GtY-ideEl-ifl.e five ~-e giall!i!t: l .~~ -l':!Lt!:~rni!~eJlevi11tJ9%) '(1J~W .iff~JlWY.Jl)J9 ~y_[]p_t_~~ ~-1_!:;!. Tuesday, January 30, 2018 3:45 PM staffcounci l@westgov .org UPDATE II: DOI Regional Office Boundaries Letter and Questions doi reorganization letter_V4.docx; doi reorganization letter_V4 CLEAN.DOCX;doi reorganization questions_ V2.docx Dear Staff Council : Attached are the latest versions of the DOI Regional Office Boundaries letter (V4) and questions (V2). Also attached is a clean version of the letter (V4 CLEAN).If you have any additional feedback on these versions before they are finalized, please get it to me no later than 12:00 pm MT tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 31). Thank you all for your quick feedback. Britta Beckstead Policy Advisor for Energy and Environmental Management 720 .897.4541 I bbeckstead@westgo v.org 1600 Broadway, Suite 1700 I Denver, CO 80202 I Western Governors' Association SAVE THE DATE: WGA Annual Meeting / Rapid City, South Dakota / June 25-27, 2018 1 January 5, 2018 The Honorable Ryan K. Zinke Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Mr. Secretary: Western states are home to abundant and diverse wildlife, agricultural, water, cultural, and energy resources. However, efforts to conserve, manage, and develop these resources have been stymied far too often by federal bureaucracy and overreach . Because federal lands comprise more than 50 percent of the collective lands of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, we are at a disadvantage to states east of the 100th meridian where federal land ownership accounts for less than 5 percent. In the context of energy development, specifically our abundant oil and gas resources, federal processes managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are dearly costing our states and the federal government. Consider that due to BLM permitting delays, New Mexico fails to realize approximately $831,000 per day in state severance tax and the federal government fails to realize approximately $1,473,000 per day in federal royalties . Annually, that's over $300 million lost to New Mexico and over $500 million lost to the federal government from lands located in New Mexico alone. We have prepared the enclosed proposal, which will streamline the federal oil and gas permitting process, while protecting our irreplaceable wildlife, agricultural, water, and cultural resources . Our proposal contains four specific streamlining opportunities: 1. A Permit by Rule process, which will allow operators to proceed with development upon submission of an administratively complete application; 2. Affirmative recognition by BLM that it will not exercise jurisdiction over surface operations situated on non-federal lands, regardless of whether the drilling operation may contact federal minerals; 3. Renewed implementation of the 2005 Energy Policy Act NEPA categorical exclusions; and 4. Delegation by the BLM of its review of drilling, completion, recompletion, and plugging and abandonment to the relevant state authority. The Honorable Ryan K. Zinke January 5, 2018 Page 2 We are confident that our proposal will result in more efficient deployment of federal and state personnel resources, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, continue to protect our lands and waters, and achieve healthier local and national economies. We encourage you to review and implement this proposal and look forward to discussing further opportunities to streamline these processes with you and your staff. Sincerely, Enclosures (2) Sam J. Eaton From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: John Chatburn Wednesday, January 3, 2018 9:19 AM Sam J. Eaton FW: Gov. Martinez Initiative for BLM Reform 1. BLM Permit by Rule (revised).pdf; 2. Section 390 CX Rule.pdf; 3. BLM Transmittal Letter - Secretary Zinke.pdf FYI John Chatburn Administrator Idaho Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources 304 N. 8th Street, Ste. 250, Boise, Idaho {208} 332-1660 john.chatb urn@o er.idaho .gov From: McQueen, Ken, EMNRD [mailto:Ken.McQueen@state.nm.us] Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2018 3:59 PM To: john.crowther@alaska.gov; john.swartout@state.co.us; robert.randall@state.co.us; John Chatburn; tom.lopach@mt.gov; patrick.holmes@mt.gov; ryan@nevadadc.org; lebachmeier@nd.gov; tom.robins@ee.ok.gov; gordonlarsen@utah.gov; jessica.crowder@wyo.gov; Lynn Dale Helms (lhelms@nd.gov) Cc: Nerison, Amy, GOV; Hatch, Loren, GOV; Sayer, Matthias, EMNRD Subject: Gov. Martinez Initiative for SLM Reform All, Happy New Year. I'm following up with everyone on our December 19th conference call regarding Gov. Martinez's Initiatives for BLM Reform . We are trying to secure your governor's approval for the joint letter to Sec. Zinke . Please send your governor's sign-on approval directly to Britta Beckstead at WGA, bbeckst ead@westgov.org . We understand that several governors were out of pocket last week, but we'd like to get this letter to D.C. as soon as possible. For those of you who have already responded, please accept our thanks for your prompt reply . For your convenience, I have attached the proposals we discussed on December 19th • Please let us know if you have any questions. Ken McQueen Cabinet Secretary Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department 1220 South St Francis Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505 {505} 476-3200 1 Sam J. Eaton From: Sent: Jon Hanian Friday, November 3, 2017 11:44 AM Mark Warbis David Hensley; Sam J. Eaton; John Chatburn RE:Governors' letter to Ryan Zinke on invasive mussels To: Cc: Subject: Done. Jon Hanian Press Secretary Governo r C.L. "Butch" Otter State Capitol Boise, Idaho 83720 (208) 854-3015 (Direct) ihan ian@go v.idaho.gov Yo (Cl [._,,. L From: Mark Warbis Sent: Friday, November 03, 2017 11:42 AM To: Sam J. Eaton; Jon Hanian; David Hensley Cc: John Chatburn Subject: RE: Governors' letter to Ryan Zinke on invasive mussels OK Jon, this is approved as a response: "I encourage the new administration to join the states in fighting this serious and imminent threat to our waters, our communities and our economies. Idaho and our neighbors in the West are acting individually and collaboratively to address the challenge of these invasive species. Now our federal partners must step up to help us stop further infestations." Thanks! From: Sam J. Eaton Sent: Friday, November 03, 2017 11:08 AM To: Mark Warbis; Jon Hanian; David Hensley Cc: John Chatburn Subject: RE: Governors' letter to Ryan Zinke on invasive mussels I like it, I'd suggest one change, just to keep Zinke happy since he'll likely see the quote coming from the Governor: " I encourage the new administration to join the states in fighting this serious and imminent threat to our waters , our communities and our economies . Idaho and our neighbors in the West are acting individually and collaboratively to address the challenge of these invasive species. Now our federal partners must step up to help us stop further infestations." Sam Eaton I Legal Counsel Office of Governor C.L "Butch" Otter (208) 334-2 I 00 1 sam.eaton@gov.idaho.gov From: Mark Warbis Sent: Friday, November 3, 2017 10:50 AM To: Jon Hanian ; David Hensley ; Sam J. Eaton Cc:John Chatburn Subject: RE:Governors' letter to Ryan Zinke on invasive mussels How about a statement from the Boss something like: "It's well past time for the federal government to live up to its management responsibilities and join the states in fighting this serious and imminent threat to our waters, our communities and our economies. Idaho and our neighbors in the West are acting individually and collaboratively to address the challenge of these invasive species. Now our federal partners must step up to help us stop further infestations." From: Jon Hanian Sent: Friday, November 03, 2017 10:03 AM To: David Hensley; Mark Warbis; Sam J. Eaton Cc: John Chatburn Subject: FW: Governors' letter to Ryan Zinke on invasive mussels Fyi... Jon Hanian Press Secretary Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter State Capitol Boise, Idaho 83720 (208) 854-3015 (Direct) jhanian@gov .idaho .qov From: Ridler, Keith J. [ma ilto:kridler @ap.org] Sent: Friday, November 03, 2017 9:53 AM To: Jon Hanian Subject: Governors' letter to Ryan Zinke on invasive mussels Jon, Good morning . I'm doing a story about the letter sent yesterday (attached) by the Western Governors' Association to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke concerning invasive quagga and zebra mussels. Is it possible to get a statement from Gov. Otter about the importance of protecting Idaho waterways from the invasive mussels? If the governor would like to make a point about some other aspect concerning the invasive mussels that would be fine also. Thank you, Keith AP - 2 Keith Ridler Reporter Desk: 208-343-1894 Cell: 208-340-2327 kridler@ap .org Twitter: @kridler www.ap.org The information contained in this communication is intended for the use of the designated recipients named above. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error, and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify The Associated Press immediately by telephone at+ 1-212-621-1500 and delete this email. Thank you. 3 Sam J. Eaton From: Sent: To: Subject: Timothy Murphy Saturday, October 7, 2017 10:11 AM Dustin T. Miller; Sam J. Eaton BLM political deputy More background on Steed , Dep Director for policy The Bureau of Land Management has appointed Utah Republican Rep. Chris Stewart's former chief of staff as the agency ' s new deputy director of programs and policy. Brian Steed, who served as Stewart ' s chief of staff since 2013, has already started the job, according to sources . He is listed in the position on an organizational chart on the agency's website. Steed's connection to Utah and its Republican-led congressional delegation is no accident. His appointment comes as Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has recommended that President Trump reduce the size of the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments in Utah. Grand Staircase-Escalante is managed by BLM, and Bears Ears is overseen by BLM and the Forest Service. Stewart and other members of Utah's congressional delegation have been vocal critics of those national monument designations by Presidents Clinton and Obama, respectively. Steed would likely be in charge of overseeing any changes in management if both monuments are reduced in size or eliminated altogether. BLM's deputy director of programs and policy position is a political appointment and separate from acting Deputy Director of Operations John Ruhs, a career Senior Executive Service employee who oversees the dayto-day functions of the agency's roughly 10,000 employees. It's not clear what Steed's specific duties will be, though he is expected to help the agency carry out Trump administration priorities, including increasing oil and gas drilling and mining activities on federal lands. As a political appointee , Steed likely will be heavily involved in the ongoing effort by the Interior Department to reorganize BLM and other agencies. That reorganization effort has already resulted in the removal of three BLM state directors in Alaska, Colorado and New Mexico. A BLM spokeswoman declined to answer questions about Steed, referring inquiries to Interior. The department's communications staff did not respond to requests for comment on this story in time for publication. But Steed was introduced to members of BLM's executive leadership team during a conference call this week, and sources said he made a positive first impression on the career employees . Prior to becoming Stewart's chief of staff in January 2013, Steed served as the congressman's campaign manager, according to his Linkedln profile. Before that, he taught economics at Utah State University's Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, as well as political science at the university. He served as deputy county attorney in Iron County, Utah, from May 2003 to August 2005, according to the Linkedln profile. Steed was the co-author with other Utah State University researchers of a paper published in the fall 2016 edition of the Journal of Private Enterprise titled "Boon or Bust: Wilderness Designation and Local Economics." Its authors concluded there is "no evidence that wilderness land designations result in positive economic outcomes for local economies." Rather, wilderness designations "impose costs on local economies" that call for the need to develop "a consensus-building approach to new wilderness area designations." He earned a doctorate in public policy from Indiana University Bloomington in 2010 and a law degree from the University of Utah in 2002. Sources said it is unusual for the agency to name a permanent top political deputy prior to the appointment of a permanent director. BLM is currently being led by acting Director Mike Nedd. Steed's duties are likely to be similar to his predecessor in the Obama administration, Linda Lance. Lance was heavily involved in energy policy, helping BLM develop a rule regulating hydraulic fracturing on federal lands and mitigation plans for large-scale solar power projects. Lance had decades of Beltway policy experience that was the polar opposite of Steed's. She was senior counsel for former Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) before joining BLM. She was associate director at the White House Council on Environmental Quality during the Clinton administration and, after that, a lobbyist for the Wilderness Society from 2001 to 2008 (Greenwire, Jan. 14, 2014). While at CEQ, Lance worked with then-Chairwoman Kathleen McGinty on the Clinton administration's designation of the 1.7-million-acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. 2 Sam J. Eaton Subject: Jon Hanian Monday, August 7, 2017 3:53 PM Dustin T. Miller Keckler,Mike (mike.keckler@idfg.idaho.gov); VIRGIL.MOORE@IDFG.IDAHO.GOV; Sam J. Eaton; David Hensley RE:Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Statement on Sage Grouse Report Importance: High From: Sent: To: Cc: Thanks all! The statement below has been approved. Please use if prompted for a response by the press. Best, Jon Hanian Press Secretary Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter State Capitol Boise, Idaho 83720 (208) 854-3015 (Direct) jhanian@qov .idaho.gov 'y ) r IC From: Dustin T. Miller Sent: Monday, August 07, 2017 2:33 PM To: Jon Hanian Cc: Keckler,Mike (mike.keckler@idfg.idaho.gov); VIRGIL.MOORE@IDFG.IDAHO.GOV;Sam J. Eaton; David Hensley Subject: RE: Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Statement on Sage Grouse Report Here is a shot at a quote from the boss. We are still reviewing final report . "I am encouraged by Interior Secretary Zinke's commitment to work with the western states to improve the federal sage grouse plans across the range. This is an appropriate step toward empowering Idaho to proactively manage and conserve sage grouse populations while preserving the customs and culture of the state. However, much remains to be done. My staff and I stand ready to roll up our sleeves and work with the Department of the Interior to bring the federal plans into alignment with Idaho's science-based conservation plan." Dustin T. Miller Administrator Governor's Office of Species Conservation 304 North 8th Street, Suite 149 Boise, Idaho 83702 P: 208-334-2189/ F: 208-334-2172 species. idaho. gov 1 From: Jon Hanian Sent: Monday, August 07, 2017 2:17 PM To: Dustin T. Miller Cc: Keckler,Mike (mike.keckler@idfg.idaho .gov) ; VIRGIL.MOORE@IDFG.IDAHO.GOV; Sam J. Eaton Subject: RE: Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Statement on Sage Grouse Report Awesome. Thanks. Jon Hanian Press Secretary Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter State Capitol Boise, Idaho 83720 (208) 854-3015 (Direct) jhanian@gov .idaho .gov Ye ' IC ' L From: Dustin T. Miller Sent: Monday, August 07, 2017 2:15 PM To: Jon Hanian Cc: Keckler,Mike (mike.keckler @ldfg.idaho.gov); VIRG1L.MOORE@IDFG.IDAHO .GOV; Sam J. Eaton Subject: Re: Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Statement on Sage Grouse Report Jon, We are working on that now and will circulate a draft very shortly. Thanks. Dustin Sent from my iPhone On Aug 7, 2017, at 2:12 PM, Jon Hanian wrote: Mike and Dustin, The Governor asked me to reach out to you two to review the release from Zinke's office regarding this new Secretarial Order which calls from more cooperation and communication with the states over Sage Grouse. He also would like you all to collaborate on a statement we all can use regarding this development. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. We probably need to get something back to press today. Jon Hanian Press Secretary 2 Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter State Capitol Boise, Idaho 83720 (208) 854-3015 (Direct) jhanian@gov .idaho.gov <~01.p~ ~05.p~ <~02.p~ <~03.p~ <~04.p~ Date: Mon, Aug 7, 2017 at 11:24 AM Subject: Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Statement on Sage Grouse Report To: newsroom @ idahostatesman.com OFFICE OF THE SECRET RY U.S. Departn1ent of the Interior www.doi.gov e s e ease Date: August 7, 2017 Contact: Interior Pre @ios. doi.gov Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke Statement on Sage Grouse Report WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke received a report from the Department of the Interior Sage-Grouse Review Team (DOI Team) regarding possible plan and policy modifications to complement state efforts to improve Greater Sage-Grouse conservation and economic development on public lands. The report is the final product required by Secretarial Order 3353 "Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation and Cooperation with Western States" issued June 7, 2017. The report, the cover letter from the Bureau of Land Management to the Secretary, and the memo from Secretary Zinke to Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt are available here . "I'm thankful to all of the DOI team members as well as the bureau staff and the state partners who put in the hard work and time to develop this report," said Secretary Zinke. "I've directed Deputy Secretary David Bernhardt to begin implementation of the recommendations and to direct the Bureau of Land Management, in coordination with the U .S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other offices in the Department, to immediately follow through on the short- and long-term recommendations." In addition to officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Forest Service, 3