Environmentalists up in arms over new mining proposal

[NVMojo]

WASHINGTON -- Environmental groups and mining interests are awaiting a House vote, which could come as early as today, on a budget reconciliation bill that would allow the sale of federal land for mining claims.

Environmentalists are yelling "land grab" over the plan, which would lift an 11-year-old ban on sales of federal land with mineral deposits. The House Resources Committee insists it is just a long overdue update of an 1872 mining law that will help taxpayers get a better return on land bought by mining companies.

The proposal requires mining-land buyers to pay $1,000 or fair market value, which ever is greater, for patenting and purchasing land with mining claims. The 1872 rates of $2.50 to $5 an acre are still in place, along with the 1994 ban. The proposal lifts that ban and changes the selling price.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., who supports the proposal, successfully added the fair market value or whichever is greater element to the proposal to ensure that sales do not cheat taxpayers out of land-sale money for acres valued above $1,000.

more...

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/lv-other/2005/nov/10/519641032.html

[Erika]

1. Cold day in Hell before this is done

Even in Nevada.

[NVMojo]

2. dont be so sure, this is the second time it's come up ...

[NVMojo]

3. Pombo hopes to help mining

y Michael Doyle -- Bee Washington Bureau
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, November 10, 2005
Story appeared on Page A4 of The Bee
WASHINGTON - Mining companies could buy up lots of California public land under a controversial bid by Tracy Republican Richard Pombo.

The federal land would be priced starting at $1,000 an acre, led by Sierra Nevada foothills and Southern California desert. The potential purchasers could range from individual old sourdoughs to some of the world's biggest mining conglomerates.

The idea faces intense opposition and has revived a debate about both the specific proposal and Pombo's own priorities. But Pombo calls it a sensible fiscal step, and through his powerful committee position he has folded it into a budget bill that could reach the House floor today.

"I think it's the right policy," Pombo said.

more...

http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/13839266p-14679566c.html

[Nothing Without Hope]

4. This issue is getting major press now - please come to this GD thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5372231
thread title (11/16 GD): PUBLIC LAND GRAB ALERT! LATimes:millions of acres at stake in House bill