Burns open to possible swap of Front gas leases

HELENA - Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., says he is open to the possibility of trading natural gas leases on the Rocky Mountain Front, Montana's rugged landscape embroiled in the debate about meeting the nation's energy demand.

Burns made the statement when he met with representatives of the Montana Wilderness Association at his Washington, D.C., office.

Burns could not be reached directly for comment Thursday, but spokesman J.P. Donovan confirmed the senator made the statement to the Wilderness Association representatives.

''I don't know that he has been officially unreceptive (to lease trades) b...