Yesterday, State Senator Lyle Hillyard posted an interesting comment to the Senate blog site. You can read the full text here – http://tinyurl.com/yavw8yf.
In the blog he cites conversations with Ned Weinshenker of Utah State University on the importance of protecting the commercial value of the unique organisms present in Utah on public lands. Sen. Hillyard states he is considering filing a bill along these lines.
An example from USTAR-funded research illustrates the topic. The USU Biofuels team is evaluating different algae strains, and to date, a number of strains that reside in the Great Salt Lake – a highly saline and “Ph challenged” environment – appear to be very productive.
Sen. Hillyard’s focus on the long-term ramifications of commercial development of our biodiversity assets is commendable and far-sighted.
