Gibbons defends mining law reform (public lands)

WASHINGTON -- Facing mounting criticism, Rep. Jim Gibbons on Thursday defended legislation that would resume government sales of federal land to mining interests.

The Nevada Republican last month inserted the mining law change into a $50 billion budget reconciliation bill awaiting House approval.

Mining advocates welcomed the bill, which would end a nine-year ban on land patenting, sales to mining companies and prospectors.

But since then, Democrats and environmental groups have slammed the bill, saying it would open 5.5 million acres of public land across the West, including national parks and even property in the Las Vegas Valley that is controlled by a separate land sale law.

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http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-18-Fri-2005/news/4372448.html

It seems like less and less democrats care about issues like this nowadays...environment will soon become the dem's weak point, and it will be where the republicans sweep in and take them by surprise. No environment=no life. Funny concept lots of people seem to be forgetting...

Not to mention this bill would prevent US citizens from being able to claim land for themselves.

these asshats get from mining corporations. California thinks this is about developers, it's about HUGE profitable international mining corporations.