Owyhee Canyonlands legislation moves ahead

Sens. Wyden and Merkley’s legislation (Malheur CEO Act – S.1890) passed out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with bipartisan support and now awaits action on the Senate Floor.

This legislation would permanently protect more than 1 million acres in the far southeastern corner of Oregon known as the Owyhee Canyonlands. As one of the few places in the lower 48 where you can still see the Milky Way at night, or explore honeycomb-like spires, a rainbow of colors through deep canyons and the rushing waters of the Owyhee river during the day, this natural treasure has stood the test of time. But development pressure – including mining and oil and gas development – could change all of that at any moment.

For years, Sens. Wyden and Merkley have introduced legislation that would have permanently protected this unique landscape, but this is the farthest the legislation has made it to date.. We are thrilled to reach this legislative milestone, knowing that our work as a part of a community-led, multi-stakeholder coalition is just beginning.

We need to keep the drumbeat of support strong and show our senators and President Biden that Oregonians overwhelmingly support protecting Owyhee Canyonlands along with the Greater sage-grouse, Bighorn sheep and more than 200 other species that call this special place home.