Yet Wilson Martin, the state's historic preservation officer, says he has no authority to obstruct projects. He answered questions about the extent of his office's power during a legislative committee hearing Tuesday.

The Legislature's Natural Resources, Agricultural and Environmental Interim Committee is considering a bill that would require the Division of State History, among other agencies, to report annually to lawmakers.

Rep. Bradley Johnson, R-Aurora, repeatedly accused the Historic Preservation Office, known as SHPO, of demanding unnecessary archaeological surveys that cost money and push projects off schedule.

"Everyone has said they've had problems with SHPO," Johnson said.

Martin said his office can only advise on actions that relate to preservation and archaeological protection laws.

A feud between the Division of Wildlife Resources and state archaeologists, who work for the Division of State History, sparked Johnson to sponsor a bill during the last legislative session that would have moved the state history division under DWR.

A compromise bill discussed Tuesday would require the Division of State History to report to lawmakers, among other things, why a professional archaeologist was hired for a particular project rather than giving the job to a volunteer. Martin said state laws require that agencies hire professional archaeologists.

The committee took no action on the proposed reporting law, but will work on the wording of requested information.

glavine@sltrib.com