Gov. Norm Bangerter and other members of the National Governors Association met Tuesday with President Bush, White House Chief of Staff John Sununu and Budget Director Richard Darman to press for more flexibility in federal programs for the states.
Bangerter told reporters afterward that the president promised to veto congressional action that would impose more restrictions and requirements on the states. Bangerter said Bush specifically mentioned Democratic child-care and welfare bills as veto candidates.Bangerter also said he was still looking at his own wilderness proposal and would have details within about 30 days.
"Less is better," he said. "We shouldn't even be discussing 5 million acres. My plan will involve between zero and 1.9 million."
A bill sponsored by Democratic Rep. Wayne Owens would protect 5.1 million acres, and a measure by Republican Rep. James Hansen would set aside 1.4 million.
Republican Rep. Howard Nielson also has been working on a bill.
The BLM has identified 3.2 million acres of Utah land under its management as potential wilderness. It recommended 1.9 million acres be protected.
The governors also discussed clean air, the environment and education legislation with the president.
The question of congressionally mandated regulations on the states is an old one for the governors, who have been pressing for more flexibility since the days of "new federalism" nearly nine years ago.
Bangerter said he spent Monday in New York and New Jersey trying to line up new industry for the state. He said two Eastern companies he spoke to were planning to begin operations in the state.