Wash Co Land Bill Could Be Dead

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The new face of Congress does not bode well for a comprehensive land-use bill for Washington County. Senator Bob Bennett told state senators yesterday the new Democratic chair of the Senate committee that will decide the fate of his proposal is "less-friendly" on the issue. Bennett blames environmental groups for blocking the Washington County measure before the Democrats took over:

"I am distressed at the hypocrisy I see of those groups who allowed the White Pine County bill to go forward in Nevada, but then said 'No we can't allow it in Utah,'" says Bennett.

Bennett says he crafted the "Washington County Land and Conservation Act" after a similar proposal by Democrat Harry Reid in White Pine County, Nevada. Congress approved the Nevada measure, allowing the auction of 45-thousand acres of federal land to private bidders. Bennett's bill would allow about half that many acres to be sold in Washington County:

"But apparently there are some in the environmental community say it's alright if the sponsor is a liberal democrat, but we will not allow it to be done if the sponsor happens to be a conservative republican," says Bennett.

Bennett says he still hopes to revive the Washington County bill, but is doubtful of its success in the Democratic controlled Congress. He warned Utah lawmakers that growth in Southern Utah without a comprehensive plan may jeopardize future conservation efforts.

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