Utah governor signs bills to seize federal land

[MarketNeutral]

Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert has signed two bills authorizing the state to use eminent domain to seize some of the federal government's most valuable land.

Supporters hope the bills, which the Republican governor signed Saturday, will trigger a flood of similar legislation throughout the West and, eventually, a Supreme Court battle that they hope to win -- against long odds.

More than 60% of Utah is owned by the U.S. government, and policymakers complain that federal ownership hinders their ability to generate tax revenue and adequately fund public schools. Governments use eminent domain to take private property for public use.

Initially, the state would target three areas, including the Kaiparowits plateau in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which is home to large coal reserves. Eminent domain would also be used on parcels where Interior Secretary Ken Salazar scrapped 77 oil and gas leases last year.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-utah-eminent-domain29-2010mar29%2C0%2C1717770.story

[Gaillo]

Wow!!!!

Utah is looking better and better (especially with the recent signing of SB11, Utah Firearms Freedom Act)... ;)

I'm personally seriously considering moving there!

[Grand Master Melon]

Yeah, maybe someday they'll drop their ridiculous smoking, alcohol and pornography restrictions.

Utah: Where the freedom to mine coal is eagerly sought after but personal freedom means nothing.

[Gypsybiker45]

In all fairness, LDS rules do form many of Utahs laws, But did not the LDS found Utah? and arent most of its citizens LDS members? Complaints like this to me are no different than the Muslims in Europe, who move to a place, then want it to change to conform to their ways.

[Grand Master Melon]

In all fairness, LDS rules do form many of Utahs laws, But did not the LDS found Utah? and arent most of its citizens LDS members? Complaints like this to me are no different than the Muslims in Europe, who move to a place, then want it to change to conform to their ways.


Would be fine if they were their own country but they're not.

I personally don't care what they do up there as I don't live there but to pretend that because they're taking on the feds about parks and have passed gun laws that they're somehow a bastion of freedom is silly.

[Gypsybiker45]

In all fairness, LDS rules do form many of Utahs laws, But did not the LDS found Utah? and arent most of its citizens LDS members? Complaints like this to me are no different than the Muslims in Europe, who move to a place, then want it to change to conform to their ways.


Would be fine if they were their own country but they're not.

I personally don't care what they do up there as I don't live there but to pretend that because they're taking on the feds about parks and have passed gun laws that they're somehow a bastion of freedom is silly.



I agree with that, but to me, its a States rights issue. Nevada is next door and one can do pretty much whatever there.

[Grand Master Melon]

In all fairness, LDS rules do form many of Utahs laws, But did not the LDS found Utah? and arent most of its citizens LDS members? Complaints like this to me are no different than the Muslims in Europe, who move to a place, then want it to change to conform to their ways.


Would be fine if they were their own country but they're not.

I personally don't care what they do up there as I don't live there but to pretend that because they're taking on the feds about parks and have passed gun laws that they're somehow a bastion of freedom is silly.



I agree with that, but to me, its a States rights issue. Nevada is next door and one can do pretty much whatever there.


I agree that they're within their right as a state to have such silly laws, I just think they're silly laws.

I remember I had a layover there when I was 18 and went to buy a pack of smokes at the airport kiosk. The guy asked for ID, I showed it to him and he said "that's great but you've got to be 19 to buy smokes here". I couldn't believe it. But you're right, that's their right.

[MarketNeutral]

Wow!!!!

Utah is looking better and better (especially with the recent signing of SB11, Utah Firearms Freedom Act)... ;)

I'm personally seriously considering moving there!


http://gaygamer.net/images/mormons.jpg

[Celtic Rogue]

Thats the beauty of the states... each can adopt the laws that they hold dear. ... and we have a choice to either move or build support to change the laws. I give kudos to Utah for thier independent spirit! :)