House Bill 264, sponsored by Rep. Michael Noel, R-Kanab, seeks to assert the state's interest in the areas of energy development, mining, grazing, wildlife management, water and rights-of-way issues on federal lands - which make up more than 60 percent of the state's geography.

"We've worked very hard during the [resource management plan] process to allow the counties to sit at the table with the BLM [Bureau of Land Management] and [U.S.] Forest Service as cooperative agencies," Noel told members of the House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee.

"If we have a state plan that backs a county plan that deals with critical issues, there is an avenue for the counties to take a stand against proposals by federal agencies."

Noel and Assistant Attorney General Mark Ward cited language in the 1976 Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA) which cites the "multiple use" edict for federal lands and calls for federal land-use policies "to be consistent with state and local laws."

"This is a period of opportunity with a friendly administration to go back and reclaim our [state] rights, which is what this bill does," said Noel.

Ward told the committee that such legislative language is vital as Utah seeks to challenge the BLM and Forest Service over restrictions and designations those agencies are placing on sensitive areas over the state's objections.

"In all of these areas, the state is affirming its agreement with FLPMA and holding the line on [federal restrictions]," Ward said.

The amendments appeared to receive wide support Tuesday from mining, farming and energy interests.

No one spoke against the proposal.