This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I find it appalling Utah lawmaker Mike Noel feels the need for an investigation to "ferret out" environmentalists' ties to the tribal groups The Bears Ears National Monument in San Juan County, especially with no factual proof of this so-called manipulation.

It's amazing how Utah lawmakers can manipulate the system when it best suits their needs. When the Utah Rivers Council asked for an accounting of how the Lake Powell pipeline was to be funded, they were immediately shut down and told such accounting did not exist, even though evidence stated otherwise.

Funny how it's a "constitutional issue" for Mike Noel, yet Utah Rivers Council Executive Director Zach Frankel's request was ignored and not given any consideration. That's Utah politics at work.

Andrea Orton

Salt Lake City