Index to Public Lands News of March 5

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In this issue. . .

* DOI PROMISES MEASURED MONUMENTS APPROACH.  Says it will not rush into designation of 17 possible new monuments.  Western GOP still in an uproar.  Bills would exempt Alaska, California, Nevada and Utah.

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* EASTERNER MORAN LIKELY APPROPS CHAIR.  Would head House subcommittee with responsibility for public lands spending.  Dicks is set to head Defense panel on Murtha's death.  Moran has little West experience.

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* DEMS ALSO WORRY ABOUT FS 'RESTORATION.'  Three Democratic senators fear loss of timber sales in many-pronged contracts.  GOP worried too.

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* GOP RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT COBELL DEAL.  Hastings tells Salazar some Indians worry about not being able to pursue claims on their own.

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* DOI LETS CALIF. LANDFILL RULING STAND.  Doesn't appeal decision that held BLM EIS on exchange near Joshua Tree was inadequate.  L.A.'s trash.

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* GAO SAYS FEDERAL O&G BONDS LOWER.  Than state bonds or federal hard rock mining bonds.  Rates were set long ago.  Few orphan wells, tho.

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* IPAMS TO PLAY MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN PROTESTS.  When enviros object to oil and gas lease sales, it will intervene to help BLM clear protests.

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* EPA MAY TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE BY ITSELF.  Sets schedule for new regs, much to displeasure of groups such as NMA.  GOP says it is Hill's job.

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* IBLA DECISIONS.

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* NOTES.

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* BOXSCORE OF LEGISLATION.

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