Push to Release Full Report on Public Lands Lawsuit Defeated

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Republican Utah lawmakers say they won't hand over to Democrats the full report on a possible public-lands lawsuit against the federal government because it could put the effort at risk.

A public lands committee voted Wednesday against releasing the information to two members, Sen. Jim Dabakis and Rep. Joel Briscoe of Salt Lake City. The Democrats say they've heard arguments in favor of the lawsuit that could cost up to $14 million, but they want more information about possible downsides.

Republicans say only two committee chairmen got the full briefing. They say releasing it to more people could reveal the legal strategy and tank the lawsuit before it begins. Utah lawmakers are weighing whether to sue the federal government for control of 30 million acres of public lands.