This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Senate committee on Thursday recommended a bill that would add oil and gas development to the list of uses for which Utah allows condemnation of lands.
HB74, sponsored by Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, would use eminent domain powers to aid mineral development by ensuring road access to well fields. It would require good-faith negotiations for the access before an agency or individual could file to take the land and pay for it.
The bill passed the House last week and on Thursday won a 4-0 recommendation from the Senate Government Operations and Political Subdivisions Committee.
Brandon Loomis