The Supreme Court’s decision confirms Utah’s lawsuit is a waste of taxpayer money
Denver— The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that it will not hear Utah’s land grab lawsuit, which sought control of national public lands in the state.
In its complaint to the Supreme Court, Utah claimed that it is unconstitutional for the U.S. to retain ownership of what the state calls “unappropriated” public lands and sought control of 18.5 million acres of national public land in the state.
The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“Today’s decision is an embarrassment for the state of Utah, which has already wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on this misguided lawsuit.
“Even this staunchly conservative Supreme Court refused to take up Utah’s complaint, likely because it relies on a blatant misreading of the Constitution and would disrupt over a century of legal precedent and property law.
“This is a win for all Americans that keeps public lands in public hands. The state of Utah should give up on its wild goose chase and not waste even more taxpayer money fighting this losing battle in the lower courts.”
Learn more:
- The feds own millions of acres of public land in Utah. Now the state is suing for control of over half of it. – Salt Lake Tribune
- Utah’s land grab lawsuit has cost taxpayers over $3 million, so far – Center for Western Priorities
- Statement on Utah’s new land grab lawsuit – Center for Western Priorities
- Utah Wants the Supreme Court to Give It Land Owned by All Americans – New York Times (opinion)
- How Utah’s Latest Lawsuit Could Shape Public Lands – Sierra Club
- State of the Rockies Conservation in the West 2024 poll – Colorado College
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