The governor promised during his election campaign last year that he would "expend political capital" to protect the economic interests of Utahns. When he spoke to the Outdoor Retailers Association in January, he vowed to make protection of Utah's precious recreational treasures a priority.

So far, however, Huntsman's leadership on the issue of what reasonable limits might be placed on the extractive industries in order to protect Utah's $5 billion-a-year tourism has been notably lacking. Which raises this question: If the governor isn't willing to speak and to act boldly to preserve Utah lands that are highly favored for river-running, fishing, hunting, hiking, backpacking and trail riding by off-road-vehicles, how effective a champion of economic development can he be?

The latest threat to Utah's tourism base was averted, or perhaps only postponed, Tuesday when the Bureau of Land Management decided to "defer" the sale of gas and oil leases on two parcels of land near Canyonlands National Park. Those, and two other parcels the BLM previously withdrew at the request of the National Park Service, were on canyon rims and part of the scenic vistas that draw millions of tourists each year to Utah.

Fortunately, the Park Service protests were enough, this time, to change the BLM's plans. But where is our governor when issues so critical to the interests of Utahns are debated?

Oil and gas leases are being sold near the Parowan Gap and Nine Mile Canyon, sites of priceless ancient rock art, and in the areas of Dinosaur National Monument and Hovenweep National Monument; Desolation Canyon and the Book Cliffs are being targeted.

Not only are scenic and archaeological sites in danger. Wildlife is threatened. Trout Unlimited has filed a protest over a new round of leases to be sold Aug. 16, bringing the total parcels around Strawberry Reservoir to 89, one-fourth in roadless areas.

With the Bush administration and Congress pushing development of domestic oil and gas resources instead of a sound energy policy that promotes conservation, the state of Utah needs a leader who will articulate the choices we face and act for the majority of Utahns who care deeply about preserving our natural treasures.

It is time to begin expending that capital, governor.