Conservation Legislation Loaded with Poison Pills
Congress may grant public lands some new conservation designations before the end of the year, but at a substantial cost. The House of Representatives and Senate have agreed on draft legislation that will pair conservation proposals with land transfers and special allowances for the mining, timber, grazing and energy interests. The Senate is expected to pass the bill, which also includes the long-sought Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument north of Las Vegas. In the last days of a Democrat-controlled Senate, it is a dismal sign of the times to come if even "bi-partisan" conservation deals are so heavily laden with gifts to industry. Nevada's New Monument If the legislation passes the Senate - a move expected within the next week - it would establish the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument on over 22,000 acres just north of Las Vegas. However, the monument would come with its own dose of destructive compromises. The bill directs the National Park Ser