It doesn't seem right to me that we live in one of the most beautiful states in this country, one that, like many others, is dealing with urban sprawl, yet we have a U.S. congressional delegation with one of the worst voting records, or LCV rating, on environmental issues. It is downright backward.
The people of Utah deserve better representation in Congress because I really doubt that Utahns don't want such basics as clean air and water. Polls also indicate strong Utah support for protecting its exquisite lands.Rep. Cannon, whose 1999 LCV rating was 6 percent, and Sen. Hatch, whose LCV rating in 1999 was a sad 0 percent, have introduced HR3605, their idea of "protection" for the San Rafael Swell region. This bill leaves this beautiful area open to continued destruction by off-highway vehicles, designates no wilderness and leaves out spectacular wilderness units in the San Rafael Swell.
This bill perfectly reflects their lack of interest in our environment, and Utahns should let them know that they want better. People want to protect Utah's treasures from the exploding use of OHVs. Our Utah delegation should start trying harder to reflect that desire.
We need to take advantage of the opportunities that our government affords us and protect the San Rafael Swell region with real wilderness protection.
Mary Stults
Cedar City