Utah House panel kills Goblin Valley-inspired bill


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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A committee of Utah lawmakers has rejected that would make it a felony to damage Utah's geologic features.

The House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee voted 8-6 on Wednesday to hold off on the measure, which they say is unnecessary and broad.

Ogden Republican Rep. Dixon Pitcher sponsored the proposal after two former Boy Scout leaders were accused of knocking over an ancient rock formation at Goblin Valley State Park. The men said the formation might otherwise have fallen and killed a visitor.

The two men face felony criminal mischief charges for tipping the mushroom shaped sandstone pillar, which is about 170 million years old.

Pitcher's bill would make it a felony punishable with up to five years in prison for damaging natural features worth $1,500 or more.

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Online:

HB 68: http://1.usa.gov/1fyCWOJ

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