Hatch urges use of Utah's tar sands and oil shale

Hatch said that five companies have gone bankrupt since initial construction was halted by a 2001 lawsuit. The highway remains 41 percent completed.

He said he is offended that Utahns have to put up with organizations like the Sierra Club, which has fought tooth and nail against the development.

"They know that by holding this up they can get their way," Hatch said.

Hatch said he has tried all ways possible to get around litigation that is stopping the highway from being completed.

"We're a state that believes wetlands and other environmental areas are important," he said. "We're not a bunch of nitwits out here."

The state of Utah is still negotiating with the Sierra Club over the highway.

Heileson said that the two parties are extremely close to a win-win deal in regards to the highway.

"It would protect the environment, provide good transportation and be a better future for Utah," Heileson said.

---

E-MAIL: nclemens@desnews.com