Utah has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, seeking to transfer 18.5 million acres of public land—about one-third of the state's area—into state control.
Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Utah argues that the federal government’s control over public lands is unconstitutional.
- Gov. Spencer Cox claims federal management has restricted public access and harmed the state.
- Critics warn that state control could lead to land sell-offs and financial burdens, especially from wildfire management.
Key quote:
“What, what this would lead to … is trophy homes all up and down Moab, trophy homes on the edge of Bears Ears.”
— Aaron Weiss, deputy director of the Center for Western Priorities
Why this matters:
If Utah gains control, it could set a precedent for other Western states, potentially reshaping land management and conservation efforts across the region.
Be sure to see: Op-ed: Public lands are not neutral. We must grapple with their racist roots
