Official statements from other state governments or court filings

Utah Sues Federal Government Over Control of 70% of State's Land

Aug 20, 2024, 05:42 PM

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has announced a lawsuit against the federal government, challenging its control over federal lands in the state. The lawsuit, which will be taken to the U.S. Supreme Court, questions the constitutionality of federal land ownership, asserting that the U.S. Constitution did not intend for federal agencies to control such large portions of land within states. Currently, the federal government manages approximately 70% of Utah's land, including 18.5 million acres of 'unappropriated' BLM land covering 34% of the state. The case has substantial implications for land management and state control in the region.