Rep. Chaffetz Announces Plan to Withdraw H.R.621

Representative Jason Chaffetz of Utah announced via social media his plans to withdraw the bill, which would have called for the sale of 3.3 million acres of public land potentially including land inhabited by America’s wild horses.

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A bill that would have marked 3.3 million acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management was introduced last week in the House of Representatives by Jason Chaffetz of Utah. The bill sent shockwaves rolling through the wild horse lovers community, especially when Chaffetz’ press office was unable to identify whether any of the 3.3 million acres across 10 western states included Herd Management Areas or Herd Areas inhabited by mustangs. This bill came right on the heels of a rules package passed by the House in early January that simplified the process for Congress to sell or transfer public lands.

Early this morning, Representative Chaffetz announced via social media that his bill H.R.621 would be withdrawn today. The strongest push back against H.R.621 appears to have come from outdoorsmen and public lands hunters who rely on carefully-regulated public lands for game. The withdrawal of this bill can be counted as a shared victory for all public lands lovers who take advantage of its myriad of uses, whether it’s hunting, camping, trail riding or observing wild horses.

Chaffetz’ message in full reads as follows:

I am withdrawing HR 621. I’m a proud gun owner, hunter and love our public lands. The bill would have disposed of small parcels of lands Pres. Clinton identified as serving no public purpose but groups I support and care about fear it sends the wrong message. The bill was originally introduced several years ago. I look forward to working with you. I hear you and HR 621 dies tomorrow. #keepitpublic #tbt

As of publication of this article, H.R.621 has not yet been formally withdrawn but we are confident that Chaffetz will follow through on his public announcement.

While the withdrawal of this bill should certainly be considered a victory for the wild horses, for equestrians who use public lands for trail riding and anyone who wishes to preserve open spaces, the new rules package that allows Congress to more easily sell or transfer public lands should still be a warning sign that these lands may not always be safe. We will continue to monitor this issue where it relates to wild horses and the equestrian industry.

Go riding!