Wyoming agriculture lawyer joins Interior Department

CASPER, Wyo. – A Wyoming lawyer who has represented ranchers against conservationists and the federal government has been hired by the U.S. Interior Department as a deputy solicitor.

Karen Budd-Falen of Cheyenne will be representing the agency on wildlife issues, endangered species and national parks.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that Budd-Falen is best known for her legal career in the West, advocating for clients on matters such as grazing on federal land.

Decades ago, she represented the Bundy family, who would stage an armed confrontation with law enforcement in 2014. She also was a leader in a movement that called for more local input on federal land management plans.

Land and wildlife advocates expressed concern about Budd-Falen’s appointment because of her past work as an attorney.

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Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com