House Votes for Public Land Mining Sales

[Judi Lynn]

House Votes for Public Land Mining Sales
By JOHN HEILPRIN, Associated Press Writer

Friday, November 18, 2005
(11-18) 15:15 PST WASHINGTON, (AP) --

The House agreed to reinstate sales of mining lands at cheap prices as part of its budget cut plan approved Friday, a move that could transfer into private hands up to 20 million acres of public lands on Western ranges, national forests and even national parks.

The measure would end a congressional ban that since 1994 has prevented mineral companies and individuals from submitting new applications for "patenting," or buying, public land, including some in national forests and parks.

No such provision is contained in the Senate version of the budget measure, so the issue will be one of the items to be resolved when lawmakers return in December and try to merge the two bills. Negotiators will face pressure from Republicans and Democrats alike to ensure that hunters, anglers, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts won't be losing out.

One must walk a careful line when selling public lands," said Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont. "There are potential negative impacts on recreational opportunities in the state of Montana, and we must ensure that any sale mitigates those impacts."

Democrats and environmentalists say they will fight to defeat the provision.
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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/11/18/national/w151548S26.DTL

[aquart]

1. Sell 'em. Take 'em back with eminent domain.

Just for fun.

[K-W]

2. This is theft of public land.

We should probably be revolting or something...

ah well, back to the television.

[SoCalDem]

3. I wonder how happy the freeps out in the "west" will be now..

Their cheap grazing lands and quiet and calm will be gone forever.

Serves 'em right.