From Deseret News archives:
Some see 'extortion' in Legacy agreement
Two significant barriers have been thrown up one, by lawmakers who say the state has opened the door for "extortion" from environmental groups. The other is from industry groups concerned about the impacts of a ban on commercial truck traffic on Legacy.
Lobbying efforts are planned as lawmakers prepare to vote on a finalized settlement. The vote will be during a special session, anticipated to occur in October or November.
"It's not over," said Rep. Stuart Adams, R-Layton. "There are those issues (about trucking) and others that one-third of the Republican caucus has problems with.
"I think the real work to be done is between now and the special session."
When lawmakers meet to vote on a finalized Legacy settlement, their vote can only be yes or no. If lawmakers have concerns about one aspect of the agreement their vote could easily be no, said Adams.
"There is no agreement without special session approval," he said.
Alexander says concerns are varied.
"They run across the board," he said. "Some who were close to the negotiations believed there would be some points in the settlement that aren't there. Some will not support any settlement, period. They feel that we don't settle with any group that (through lawsuits) cost state taxpayers more than $200 million."
Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, is one who says the state is opening the door for future lawsuits and "extortion" by environmental groups.
Dave Creer, president of the Utah Truckers Association, said the state is making a significant policy step that will have a negative ripple effect. If the ban on trucks is kept in the final settlement, it will set a precedent that will allow for trucks to be banned on other new roads, he said.
"I have to tell you, the consumer is going to shoulder the cost of this kind of a decision," Creer said. "The citizens will have to pick up the cost to move goods from point A to point B.
"Commerce has been hurt by this decision."
Several members of the truckers association, in addition to agricultural groups, the grocery business and the manufacturer's association, have similar concerns, said Creer. Lobbying efforts are planned, at least by his association.
Comments
- Small plane crashes near Lehi 4:02 p.m.
- Increase anti-tobacco campaigns? 3:25 p.m.
- 4th Redskins starting RB of season 3:23 p.m.
- 'Bama wins $32M bet on Saban 3:22 p.m.
- Texas preps strike Nike deal 3:21 p.m.
- IOC withholds Jones' 100-meter gold 3:18 p.m.
- Texas' Brown gets new $5 million deal 3:16 p.m.
- Liukin saving college gymnastics 3:15 p.m.
- Pettitte, Yankees agree 3:14 p.m.
- Stocks ended higher 2:59 p.m.
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- Cougars use depth to beat ASU
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Non-BCS schools not given fair shot
- Snow brings big chill
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Jazz go up against 'the best'
- Many seek to wipe clean misdeeds
- Haws playing like a veteran
- Doctor calls Mitchell 'naive,' 'inept'
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
288 - Letters: Global warming a lie
225 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
176 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
145 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
133 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
121 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100 - Revive full food tax?
98
My wife Lisa and I would prefer never to argue. But that's not going to...
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Jazz, Welcome to Staples home of the NBA Champions...the LA LAKERS!...
You could not be more wrong.
I didn't mean to imply Syracuse could score one hundred on Skyline. I was...
we have a lot of people in our east coast ward who are not here legally. They...
Sloan Haters are impossible to argue with because they want a championship...
It seems everything going on in our country and world can be lumped into one...
Best Team Best Heisman Candidate Colt McCoy wins the Heisman and Texas...
Perhaps some of the vengeful Ute posters in here are just ticked that Max...
Does anyone really trust Obama to fix the economy given his miserable, failed...
Re:100,000 reasons, it is actually 25,000 reasons for you cougars, just...



You can be the first to comment on this story.