Federal regulations have hindered Doe Run's efforts to find new sources. After a long struggle, the company last year withdrew efforts to gain permits to search for lead ore in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. 1400 or 1500 jobs could be lost if their southeast Missouri mining operations cease. Jay Truitt, spokesman for the Missouri Cattleman's Association, said the federal purchases inflates land prices. The price goes up to the point that it could no longer be profitable for livestock or agriculture.
Environmental groups oppose the legislation.
Crump denied the proposal will cause gridlock. He said the proposal's procedures are the same that the state government undergoes when it buys land. Federal land ownership is major controversy out West, where some states are virtually dominated by federal lands. In Missouri, some counties say they are in the same position. We survive on mining and timber in our county.