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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Energy development is a top priority in a long-term management plan developed by federal officials for 2.5 million acres in central Utah.
The plan released Friday by the Bureau of Land Management puts an emphasis on an energy economy for Carbon and Emery counties.
The plan also virtually eliminates the possibility that about 1 million acres -- previously found to have wilderness characteristics -- will be protected as wilderness.
Carbon County Commissioner Bill Krompel says nine out of the 10 top taxpayers in his county are from the natural gas or coal industry. He says the county depends on the energy industry for employment and money to sock away for use after coal, oil and gas run out.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
