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
Wyoming could sell a currently protected parcel of land, key to elk and other hoofed mammal migration paths, to private developers.
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.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
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.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland