2023 Western Interstate Region Conference
About the Conference
The NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states – Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming – and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state and regional policymakers, participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges.
County News
WIR showcases Utah counties
Senate Agriculture Committee holds Farm Bill markup, remains in committee
On August 6, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Department of the Interior seeks public comment on recreation and wilderness proposals
On June 15, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced proposed rulemaking on recreation in wilderness areas and sought public comment on changes to its wilderness area management policies. The announcement is part of DOI’s implementation of the EXPLORE Act, which required the department to issue guidance on recreational climbing in wilderness areas.
Senate Energy and Natural Resource committee advances Small County PILT Parity Act
On July 17, the U.S. Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee advanced the Small County PILT Parity Act (S. 1175). Led by Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), this measure would amend the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) formula to provide fairer program funding to counties with populations smaller than 5,000.
U.S. Department of the Interior finalizes major change to Endangered Species Act regulations
On July 10, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a final rule redefining “harm” for the purposes of administering the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The new definition would significantly narrow the scope of prohibited actions relating to listed species.
NACo testifies before Congress on national forest partnerships, urges long-term SRS reauthorization
Modoc County, Calif. Supervisor Ned Coe testified before the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture on behalf of NACo this week, making the case for stronger federal-county partnerships in national forest management — and urging Congress to act on Secure Rural Schools (SRS) reauthorization before the program lapses at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2026.
Public lands counties fight for SRS reauthorization
Without mandatory funding, county officials must consistently make the case to Congress for why payments of federal lands a crucial for providing essential services and infrastructure maintenance.