Orrin Hatch: “My friend from New Jersey, Senator Bradley, knows the difference between the BLM inventory and the study areas, which is…”

“My friend from New Jersey, Senator Bradley, knows the difference between the BLM inventory and the study areas, which is why I really do not believe he really approved of this press release. He goes on to say that "If the bill becomes law, it would permit the transformation of these lands from pristine wilderness to strip mines, roads and commercial development." Now, Mr. President, these statements are patently untrue. Someone in the Senator's office has been grossly misled, and unfortunately these untruths are being distributed to the press as though they are truths. In essence, these are the facts. First, the upper number of acreage involved in this debate is over 5 million, not 20 million. Second, nowhere in our bill does it say that no more wilderness can ever be designated in the future. Third, the land not designated as wilderness is still managed and controlled by the Federal Government in accordance with Federal land policy laws and regulations. I feel very safe in saying that there will be no environmentally irresponsible activity taking place on these lands now or in the future. Fourth, there has not been a new strip mine in Utah in many years, even decades, and there will not be even after this bill passes. Yet the opponents of this bill know that using the term "strip mine" conjures up all sorts of horrible images. Its use in this debate is simply not justified.”