The state wants more local control of public lands not designated as national parks or monuments.
The Supreme Court struck down an effort by Utah to assert state control over federal public lands. According to an article by Anastasia Hufham in the Salt Lake Tribune, the Court declined to hear Utah’s challenge to the federal government’s jurisdiction over 18.5 million acres of “unappropriated” public lands. The state charged that the Bureau of Land Management’s control over these lands is unconstitutional.
State leaders expressed disappointment at the Court’s decision, saying BLM policies harm Utah residents “by restricting access to public lands, hindering active management, and reducing economic and recreation opportunities.”
The status of public land management is under question as the incoming Trump administration has signaled a desire to reopen public lands to extractive uses — or what Utah state leaders call ‘multiple use’ — and shift more decisionmaking power to states. Other states have challenged the BLM’s Public Lands Rule, which recently strengthened conservation measures.
FULL STORY: U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear Utah’s public lands challenge
More States Push Back on BLM’s Conservation Rule
Twelve states and industry groups are supporting Utah’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management, arguing the agency can’t bar extractive uses on ‘unappropriated’ public lands.
Grand Teton Foundation Races to Fundraise — or Lose Key Wildlife Corridor
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Utah and Wyoming Sue BLM Over Conservation Rule
The states allege the agency overstepped federal regulations in its attempt to boost conservation efforts on public lands.
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Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
San Antonio Remains Affordable as City Grows
The city’s active efforts to keep housing costs down through housing reforms and coordinated efforts among city agencies and developers have kept it one of the most affordable in the nation despite its rapid population growth.
What Forest Service Cuts Mean for Cities
U.S. Forest Service employees work on projects that have impacts far beyond remote, rural wilderness areas.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
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