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November 18, 2008

Gov’t Set to Lease 50,000 Acres in Utah for Gas and Oil Drilling
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The Bush administration is coming under wide criticism for its proposal
to lease more than 50,000 acres for oil and gas drilling in Utah,
including areas adjacent to Arches National Park and Desolation Canyon.
The Bureau of Land Management is planning to hold the auction on
December 19. The Bureau announced the proposal on Election Day. The
National Park Service’s top official in Utah called the proposal
"shocking and disturbing.” Stephen Bloch of the Southern Utah Wilderness
Alliance said, "This is the fire sale, the Bush administration’s last
great gift to the oil and gas industry.”



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