Wyoming Senate committee softens language in study of federal lands

A legislative committee approved a bill that funds a $100,000 study about state management of public lands, after words in the measure having to do with the transfer of the title of federal lands were removed. “We’re not talking about transferring of titles,” Sen. Eli Bebout, R-Riverton said. “This is the contemplation of Congress turning over the management. So we’re not talking about this study saying, 'How do we own the lands of the state?' because I think that’s a tough sell. I think even though legally we’ve got grounds to do it, Congress isn’t just going to just give them back to them back to us. I understand that.” Senate File 56 states the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments would commission a study to identify which lands the state would manage, revenue sources to pay for land management, how to divide additional revenue that the state could earn from lands, and an analysis of revenue the state is losing through federal management...more

That's stupid.  If the lands aren't transferred then FLPMA, NEPA, ARPA and all the other federal laws would still apply along with their cumbersome regulations.  The people of Wyo. would still be denied the efficiency of state management under state law and the equity of being on an equal footing with those east of the Mississippi River.