The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Utah's bid to seize control of federally owned land.
The court denied the state's motion, writing in a brief statement that “the motion to stay the filing of the complaint is denied.” He did not elaborate on his decision-making.
Utah filed a lawsuit in August seeking to take ownership of 18.5 million acres held by the federal government, about one-third of the state's total area.
“Utah should be prioritized when it comes to land management,” Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said at the time. “It's tragic to see what this administration and past administrations have done to our land, including closing roads that have been open for generations.”
Approximately 70% of Utah's total area is under federal control. When Utah became a state, it ceded its land to the federal government under the Utah Enabling Act. It's not just the states that do that, but the federal government as well. owns about 47% of the land In the West.
Environmentalists opposed Utah's efforts and expressed concern that some of the land could eventually be sold, but Cox said privatization is not the goal.
Opponents of the lawsuit welcomed the court's decision.
“Today's news is good for the stability, security, and sustainability of America's public lands and the people who depend on them,” Alison Flint, senior legal director at the Wilderness Society, said in a written statement.
But she added, “We fully expect Utah's misguided attacks to continue, and we are ready to mount a robust defense to ensure our public lands are protected.” ” he added.
