We were asked to present to all of the western states attorneys general at their recent conference in Colorado Springs a brief overview of the legal, historical and constitutional underpinnings of the Transfer of Public Lands movement.  It is crucial that our Attorneys General are familiar with the constitutional and legal bases of the Transfer of Public Lands.  These officials are on the front lines of these issues.  We have an important opportunity to help provide them with information and support as they represent the rights and interests of their states.  

The reception of the attorneys general was quite favorable to the information that this has already been done before (by the likes of IL, MO, IN, AR, LA, AL, MS, FL, and HI, etc.) and our statehood compacts (enabling acts) contain virtually the same promise to dispose of all the public lands.  We presented information that recently the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously declared that Congress doesn't have the authority to unilaterally alter or diminish the "uniquely sovereign character" of a state's admission into the union, particularly where "virtually all of a states public lands are at stake."  We also shared with this that is was one lawyer - one leader - that is largely responsible for states like MO, IL, etc. going from nearly 90% federally controlled lands to less than 5% federally controlled lands today.  You can review the information we presented and learn more about that one man, US Senator Thomas Hart Benton, by clicking on this link.  It appears we will may have further opportunities to work with the Conference of Western Attorneys General throughout the coming months and years as they lead and advise their states on this key issue.  

Each Attorney General also received a packet similar to the one we gave out to our Western Governors Association that contained the Legal Analysis commissioned by the Federalist Society, along with the Executive Summary and an article from the Michigan Journal of Environmental and Administrative Law.  This purpose of this packet is to provide the legal and historical background in a summary fashion along with a variety of source materials.  Last month, we shared this packet with you, however, we continue to include new materials so the latest version is linked here for your review and to share with others.  It contains a quick and easy format to address the four main points that people should know:

1. Why the Difference?  This section deals with the 4 most common myths about why those of us in the west control less than 50% of our lands, while those in the east control more than 95% of theirs.
2. Did We Really Give Up Our Lands?  This will help you understand that the answer is a resounding "NO!" The statehood promises to dispose of these lands are virtually the same.
3. It's Been Done Before!  This is not some arbitrary land-grab as detractors would have people believe.  The laws and statehood compacts were intended for these public lands to be transferred from federal ownership and control, and the eastern states (and Hawaii) have theirs because they knew their history, stood together, and refused to take "No" for an answer!  
4. It's the Only Solution Big Enough!  No other viable (albeit challenging) solution put forth today has the power to provide our states with the self-sufficiency that is crucial if we are to take care of our citizens in these troubled times.  No other solution suggested today has the ability to preserve our public lands, the long-held traditional uses of these lands, while providing the states with the ability to manage the resources of that land for the highest good of its citizens as well as for the best benefit of the nation.  

Just when we think we can't get any busier, we do.  Here is a sample of the places we will be educating in the month of August.  We would love to see you at an event near you!

IL August 5-9

American Legislative Exchange Council

GA  Aug 12-15

            National Conference of State Legislatures

ID Aug 16-17

            Idaho Liberty Summit

AZ Aug 17

            Southern Arizona Tea Party Coalition (via webinar or DVD)

WA  Aug 28-29

            28^th  Republic Liberty Caucus of Washington State

            29^th EWCOG (Eastern Washington County of Governments)

We still need your continued support to be able to get this vital message out throughout the West and throughout the nation.

If you have a large group or association of people that you would like us to make a presentation to, please contact our Director of Communications, Becky, and she will be more than happy to help you with arrangments.