Supreme Court rejects Utah's bid to control federal lands

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a bid from the state of Utah to seize control of federally owned lands.

The court denied the state’s petition, writing in a brief statement: “The motion for leave to file a bill of complaint is denied.” It did not elaborate on its decisionmaking.

In August, Utah sued to try to gain control of 18.5 million acres — about a third of the state’s total area — that is held by the federal government.

“Utah deserves priority when it comes to managing its land,” Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said at the time. “It’s been a tragedy to see what this administration and past administrations have done to our land, closing down roads that have been open for generations.”

About 70 percent of Utah’s total land area is under federal control. When Utah became a state, under the “Utah Enabling Act,” it gave up land to the federal government. It’s not the only state to do so, and the federal government owns about 47 percent of land in the West.

Environmental advocates had opposed Utah’s effort, expressing concerns that ultimately some of the land could be sold off, though Cox said privatization was not his goal.

Opponents of the suit cheered the court’s decision.

“Today’s news is good for the stability, safety and sustainability for America’s public lands and the people who depend on them," Alison Flint, senior legal director for The Wilderness Society, said in a written statement.

However, she added, “We fully expect Utah’s misguided attacks to continue and stand ready to mount a robust defense to ensure our public lands are protected.”

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