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The concept of “biocultural diversity” has gained wider prominence in recent decades as academics, institutions, and practitioners have expanded cross-disciplinary work at the intersection of human culture and biological diversity. Within the conservation realm, this trend has helped raise the profile of issues like Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge, especially since the mid-2010s as many […] ....
Deseret News Would Utah bill prevent ‘dark money’ or kill future citizen referendums? Bill that seeks more rules for ballot initiatives, ban on pay-per-signature advances to House floor despite protests that it would make process ‘nearly impossible’ Share this story Kristin Murphy, Deseret News SALT LAKE CITY A bill that would set more rules for Utahns gathering signatures to put a referendum or initiative on the ballot is making its way through the Utah Legislature. The bill’s proponents argue it’s aimed at preventing “dark money” coming from out of state to force issues to a vote. But its critics say the new rules would only hurt “grassroots” campaigns and set the bar unfairly high even out of reach for everyday Utahns fed up with lawmakers who they say aren’t listening to them. ....
Utah lawmakers advanced a bill placing limits on the use of paid signature gatherers to qualify an initiative or referendum on the ballot. Opponents complained the proposal robs them of their constitutional right to petition the government. ....