Utah lawmakers aim to 'protect property rights'

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ENDANGERED SPECIES: Utah lawmakers aim to 'protect property rights'

Greenwire: Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Fearing that the presence of endangered species is stopping residents from profitably selling their lands for natural resource extraction or other purposes, Utah lawmakers are considering legislation to "protect property rights."

Legislators have been in discussions to reduce endangered species' alleged impact on land use.

They're especially concerned about the presence of the threatened Gunnison sage grouse, whose habitat is designated on private land in San Juan County.

"It's your worst nightmare to have one of these show up on your property," said Republican state Rep. Michael Noel, who proposed offering property owners some relief when endangered or threatened animals are discovered on their land.

Conservationists argue that the Endangered Species Act is flexible enough already.

"San Juan County is one of the last places on Earth where Gunnison sage grouse still live," said Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biological Diversity. "That bird is an important part of our common heritage. It deserves cooperation with federal biologists rather than legislative attacks against efforts to prevent its extinction" (Brian Maffly, Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 25). -- MM

 

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UTAH: Senate panel renews push to take over federal lands

Greenwire: Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A Utah Senate panel is trying to convince the governor and state Legislature to bring 30 million acres of federal lands under state control.

Members of the panel are pushing to implement the "Transfer of Public Lands Act," which passed last year and would allow the state to acquire most of the federal lands within its borders by next year.

Some legislators admit the act may mean a legal battle not worth fighting.

"This action, if taken by the federal government, will allow Utah to provide for the education of its children, grow its economy and job opportunities and provide for responsible management of the state's abundant natural resources while preserving the important historic and cultural contributions that Utah's public lands provide the citizens of Utah, the nation, and the world," the resolution claims.

Conservationists are worried that the state would parcel off and sell the land, but backers of the bill say they intend to keep the land public (Brian Maffly, Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 25). -- MM

 

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Federally owned land by state:

Only Alaska @ 97% has more Federally owned land than Nevada at 87%, followed by Utah @ 75%. From there it's 50% or much less.

http://www.propertyrightsresearch.org/2004/articles6/state_by_state_government_land_o.htm