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Show Article By Halliday An Eye Opener The article (2-21-81) by , Robert S. Halliday was another eye opener in relation to the so-called sage brush rebellion. re-bellion. Quote "The sale of state land without competitive bidding would be allowed under a bill (SB207). The bill was reported out favorably (Friday 2-20-81) by the Utah Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee." THIS BILL would allow sale of mineral and surface rights. Under present policy the State retains all mineral rights if the sale is for residential purposes. This follows the so-called "sagebrush rebellion" sponsored spon-sored by our Senator Hatch, on the national level. IF MANAGEMENT of federal fed-eral lands are turned over to the states no doubt special interest in-terest groups (ranchers-mining companies-timber harvesters) would jump on the bandwagon and buy these lands through their political associations without the need of competitive competi-tive bidding. Arizona governor Bruce Babbitt contends these are the same people who have been grabbing western land since Teddy Roosevelt. Babbitt also contends states cannot manage man-age land they sell it. Whenever public lands are transferred to the states these lands wind up in the hands of a few ranchers by sale or lease. HUNTERS AND fishermen would find their favorite spots posted no hunting, no fishing. The buyers would mine-cut timber etc. with very little control. con-trol. Property tax and perhaps royalty but no in lieu tax would be the only revenue accruing to the state, counties or cities. Richard Lamm, Colorado governor, remarks they have four (4) agents to administer three million acres of state owned land. They have a chance to check each lease once in five years. ARE THE people going to sit quietly and let our heritage and revenue slip away? Halley Thomas Bountiful |