Bill targets environmental litigation costs

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Environmental groups challenging state projects would have to put up money up front that would be forfeited if they do not prevail in their lawsuit under a bill given preliminary Senate approval Thursday.

Those groups could also be liable for damages if a judge rules against them.

"These injunctions often are sought strictly for the purposes of delay, to ramp up the cost of projects so they're not affordable," said Sen. Stephen Urquhart, R-St. George, sponsor of the bill.

The bill could be up for a final Senate vote Friday.

Robert Gehrke