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Index to PUBLIC LANDS NEWS of June 27, 2008

In this issue. . . .

* HOUSE NEARS VOTE ON ENERGY DILIGENCE.  Due at press time.  One provision would forfeit O&G leases it they weren't in production in five years.  Another would impose financial penalties.  Republicans say law already requires diligence.  They advocate more public lands drilling.

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* SECURE SCHOOLS, FIRE MONEY FAIL IN HOUSE.  House and White House oppose $400M for Secure Schools.  Western senators try to keep alive.

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* HOUSE PANEL ORDERS EMERGENCY MINING WITHDRAWAL.  Unusual application of FLPMA provision requires DoI to protect 1M acres near Grand Canyon.

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* APPROPRIATIONS BILL GRINDS TO A HALT.  House, Senate committees fail to act.  House subcommittee measure is packed with energy provisions.

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* WYDEN OFFERS NEW OLD GROWTH POLICY.  Calls for ban on old tree cutting paired with expedited thinning projects.  Some detail but no bill.

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* PHOSPHATE MINE INTERTWINED WITH ROADLESS RULE.  BLM says expansion of mine into roadless areas complies with rule.  Environmentalists say no.

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* TRCP FILES SECOND WYO. O&G LAWSUIT.  Says BLM should defer additional Pinedale development until BLM complies with adaptive management.

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* BLM WRITES DRAFT EIS ON GEOTHERMAL.  Could usher in a new generation of development on 200 million acres of unexamined lands in the West.

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* IBLA DECISIONS.

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* NOTES.

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* BOXSCORE OF LEGISLATION.

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