Democrats accused Republicans on Monday of abusing their huge 80-24 margin in the Legislature to try to strip Utah Democrats of representation on an interstate group that seeks to help states develop their energy resources.
The House voted 57-16 along party lines to pass, and send to the Senate, HB48 by Rep. Roger Barrus, R-Centerville. It changes a provision that had required members of both parties to be among four legislators appointed by leaders to represent Utah on the Coalition of Energy Producing States.
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
Barrus, a member of the coalition, said some unnamed members of both parties had failed to actively participate in that coalition. He said the change allows leaders to more easily find people who have the time, interest and experience to serve without looking at their party affiliation.
But House Democratic leader David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, said it was aimed to take away his party’s seat at the table. He said the appropriate way to handle a problem if a member is not attending is to talk to their leader to appoint someone else, and not to allow stripping a party of all representation.
The bill now goes to the Senate.
— Lee Davidson
Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
