Frank Lautenberg: “Sterling Forest is too important to this region's well-being to become a hostage of partisan politicking. Promises…”

“Sterling Forest is too important to this region's well-being to become a hostage of partisan politicking. Promises, Promises--Utah Land Grab Would Hurt Sterling Forest Is this crazy or what? At a time when many congressional Republicans are trying to project a more moderate approach on environmental issues, some of their brethren are pressing for an omnibus public-lands bill that is an anathema to conservationists--and a stumbling block to saving Sterling Forest. It's time for the GOP leadership, House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole to get on the same page and push for legislation that saves important resources without sacrificing others. The omnibus environmental bill, which is expected to come to a Senate vote as early as later this week, includes $17.5 million toward the purchase of Sterling Forest. But it also includes a provision that would open 20 million acres of wilderness in southern Utah to forestry, mining, and other commercial interests. That's unacceptable. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt has said, rightly, that he would recommend that President Clinton veto any bill that includes the Utah land giveaway.”