Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr, letter to G. N., January 29, 1997

Congress of ttjc ®nitet> States fOousc of iReprEsentatibcS ©Hasfoington, ЭС 20515-2002 January 29, 1997 Thank you for conveying to me your concerns about President Clinton’s designation of public lands in Utah. I share your concerns. I believe that the residents of a state should maintain final authority over how their lands are utilized. Should the Utah State Legislature decide to protect two million additional acres of wilderness lands from public development, then I believe that it is appropriate. Moreover, should the Utah State Legislature decide to allow the commercial development of such areas, I believe that it is appropriate as well. In both cases the citizens of Utah, working through their elected representatives, would be the decision-makers. If a majority of Utahans disagree with their elected representatives over this issue, I am sure they will show their displeasure at the polls. President Clinton, just prior to the 1996 presidential election, unilaterally designated 1.7 million acres of public lands in Utah as a monument. In my view, President Clinton’s decision was short-sighted and politically- motivated. In taking this action, the administration usurped authority which rightly belonged to states. Be assured that I will oppose any similar federal land grab in Maryland. Congress is committed to giving state and local authorities greater say over how their lands are utilized. H. R. 1745, a bill sponsored by Rep. James Hansen (R-UT) during the 104th Congress, proposed to give the grant greater jurisdiction over wilderness land and water rights to the state of Utah. While H. R. 1745 failed to pass, similar proposals will no doubt be taken up during the 104th Congress. You can be sure that I will be supportive of such common-sense initiatives. Once again, thanks for contacting me regarding this issue. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress