WASHINGTON - Utah stands to get $23 million for public lands and environment projects under a bill that was sent to the Senate on Thursday. Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, a member of the committee that sets the budget levels, secured a number of Utah-specific projects, including $3 million to help reduce a backlog in oil and gas permit applications and for a pilot project for online auction of oil and gas leases in Utah. "Pursuing new and innovative ways to meet our energy needs and decrease dependence on foreign oil must be one of our nation's top priorities," Bennett said in a statement. "Taking responsible steps at home, like reducing the permit backlog and developing more efficient programs, are examples of that effort." The $26.2 billion bill includes $235 million to compensate states for lost tax revenue due to federal lands within their borders, and $492 million to remove trees and brush that pose a fire risk. Other Utah-specific programs include $5 million for continued work on the Utah Museum of Natural History, $1.2 million to protect the Colorado River corridor in Grand County, $750,000 for restoration of the historic Laundry Building in Ogden, and $2.5 million to buy land along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and in the High Uintas. Bennett also included language providing $2 million to buy easements to protect two historic ranches from development pressures and $1.5 million to fund campgrounds and trails near the Sand Hollow Reservoir in Washington County. - Robert Gehrke