|
Like a zombie film franchise with too many sequels, the movement to take public lands from the American people just won't die. KUER reports that the American Lands Council is seeking $50,000 from Utah taxpayers to "build support" for the state taking control of national public lands.
The measure is sponsored by State Representative Phil Lyman, a former county commissioner who was convicted and served time in jail for leading an illegal ATV ride into the archaeologically sensitive Recapture Canyon. Lyman is currently repaying nearly $100,000 in damages at a rate of $100 a month.
Four years ago, Utah lawmakers set aside $4 million to sue the federal government for control of public lands. In 2018, Utah's attorney general said he was working on a lawsuit, but has still not filed anything.
Bernhardt spars with senators
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt defended longtime land seizure advocate William Perry Pendley during a testy Senate budget hearing on Wednesday. Pendley is now the de facto head of the Bureau of Land Management. Bernhardt, who was visibly shaking during several exchanges, also told Senator Chris Van Hollen that he will move ahead with a controversial reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that would no longer fine oil companies for birds killed by oil spills.
|
Sometimes you are acting like BP’s lawyer, and that is the problem here because the reality is that BP was fined, and other folks, $100 million under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, because of the massive loss in bird life.”
