Utah Congressman weigh in on BLM controversy

Utah's congressional delegation weighed in Thursday on the Bureau of Land Management's shelved proposal to bring cattle seized from a Nevada rancher to the Beehive State for auction. In a joint statement, Sens. Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee joined Reps. Rob Bishop, Jason Chaffetz and Chris Stewart in urging BLM director Neil Kornze to keep the cattle out of Utah. “We strongly support Gov. (Gary) Herbert and echo his concerns expressed in his April 2 letter," the statement said. "Going forward with the plan to transport the Nevada cattle to Utah may endanger the health of Utah herds and place Utah state employees and other Utah residents in danger.” The lawmakers argued that putting Utah's cattle industry at risk, "particularly when there are alternatives available for selling the animals in Nevada, would be imprudent and careless." Mike Styler, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources and operator of a family farm in Millard County, said he understands the emotion involved in the Bundy situation. "These folks are very passionate. They're passionate about their heritage. They're passionate about being on the land," Styler said. "They see their lifestyle being threatened. "I hope that calmer heads will prevail and no one does something that we'll all feel bad about," he added...more