Last year, Tim DeChristopher placed bids on oil leases in southern Utah that he didn't intend to honor, and this year Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, illegally rode roughshod along with other disgruntled all-terrain-vehicle owners over public lands not open to those vehicles. DeChristopher acted to protect the environment ("Bogus bidder argues he had to act," Tribune , Oct. 27), while Noel acted to destroy it. Yet the U.S. district attorney has chosen to prosecute DeChristopher while Rep. Noel continues to enjoy exemption from this consequence, including the retention of his seat in the Utah Legislature.

Clearly the case against DeChristopher is not about seeking justice; it's about seeking revenge. Since Noel has known interests in the development of energy sources in Utah, including oil drilling, it is unconscionable that Noel might have escaped the consequence of his illegal act due to his political influence in our state. Unless he is likewise prosecuted, in the name of equal justice, the case against DeChristopher should be dropped.

Susan L. Loffler

Salt Lake City