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House adopts substitute to strengthen state role in federal land planning
Summary
Lawmakers adopted a second substitute to House Bill 264 to codify state expectations for federal land-management planning, add language on 'wilderness characteristics' and allow wildlife population adjustments during climatic stress; bill passed 66–5 and will go to the Senate.
Representative Noel, sponsor of the second substitute for House Bill 264, said the measure aims to preserve a balance between counties, the state and federal agencies as federal resource-management plans are developed. Noel said the substitute "maintained that balance" and emphasized the importance of state input given that Utah is "over 60% federal land" and in some counties more than 90% federal land.
The bill clarifies that state agencies should consider the needs of livestock and the need to prevent species decline under the Endangered Species Act when adjusting wildlife population goals in response to drought or other climatic changes. Sponsor Noel walked the chamber through the bill and its negotiated language; Representative Becker said he would vote for the bill but noted it leans toward traditional "multiple use" (grazing and mineral development) rather than preservation.
Several last-minute amendments were adopted after negotiation with the governor's office, attorney general and local governments. The second substitute, as amended, passed the House by a vote of 66 yes to 5 no and now heads to the Senate.
