WSLCA/ELRC Conference Summary

The WSLCA/ELRC conference in Washington featured several presentations on issues pending in the states and in Congress:

• New Mexico Commissioner Ray Powell and BLM New Mexico State Director Michelle Chavez discussed the successful exchange of 100,000 acres of federal and state land in Catron and Socorro counties of New Mexico.
• Citizens' use of the ballot box, through initiative and referendum, to influence natural resources policy. Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher discussed a private property 'takings' issue in Washington, and Maine Forest Service Director Charles Gadzik discussed competing clearcutting proposals that failed at the ballot box last year.
• Royalty-in-kind proposals under discussion in Congress that would mandate the Minerals Management Service to take its crude oil in-kind and sell it directly, rather than collecting a royalty from private producers. Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro said the proposal was an inappropriate attempt by the oil and gas industry to shift more costs onto the government so the industry can make more money. The WSLCA adopted a resolution last January opposing the proposed mandated royalty-in-kind legislation before Congress.
• BLM Director Pat Shea, Assistant Interior Secretary Bob Armstrong and a number of other Interior officials discussed the agency's agenda and programs, including regional coordination among agencies and a national weed control initiative.
• WSLCA Vice President Robert Hight of California, California BLM State Director Ed Hastey and Colorado BLM State Director Ann Morgan discussed successful state-federal relationships.
• Senator Dale Bumpers, invited by WSLCA executive committee member Commissioner Charlie Daniels of Arkansas, delivered an update on ongoing issues, including the perennial debate over reforming the 1872 Mining Act.