Utah launches landmark lawsuit against federal land ownership
October 03, 2024 | Carbon County Commission, Carbon County Commission and Boards, Carbon County, Utah
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The lawsuit seeks to challenge the constitutionality of the federal government's indefinite holding of unappropriated land within states. Specifically, it targets approximately 18.5 million acres of unappropriated land in Utah managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This land is defined as federal land that lacks a designated purpose, distinguishing it from appropriated lands such as national parks and military properties.
During the meeting, officials emphasized that the implications of this case extend beyond Utah, potentially affecting the management of over 245 million acres of similar unappropriated land across 11 western states, Alaska, and parts of the eastern U.S. The resolution would allow Carbon County to join as a cosigner of an amicus brief supporting Utah's position in the Supreme Court.
While the resolution was discussed, no financial commitments towards legal costs were authorized at this time. The meeting underscored the ongoing debate over federal land management and the rights of states to claim ownership of unappropriated lands.
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