Jodi Peterson

Associate Editor

For years, environmentalists have been trying to get the BLM to rein in the rampant use of off-road vehicles on public lands (see our stories here, here and here). The latest attempt involves Congress — 93 representatives just sent a letter asking the agency to prohibit OHV use in fragile and remote parts of Utah.

But Utah rep. Chris Cannon, R, apparently thinks that his state should have complete control over what happens on these federally-owned public lands. The Salt Lake Tribune reports:

“I don’t presume to set transportation policy for Chicago or New York,” said Rep. Cannon. “So I would appreciate my colleagues - none of whom are from Utah - not trying to protect Utah from Utahns.”

Come again, Rep. Cannon? “Transportation policy”?? We’re not talking about whether Salt Lake should build more highways or a bus system. We’re talking about whether a few off-roading yahoos should get to ride their destructive toys over every square inch of land that all Americans own.