The Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Confirmation Committee on May 20 voted unanimously to forward Brian Tarbot’s nomination to the full Senate for the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) board.

Brian Tarbot told the committee that SITLA’s checkerboard trust lands pose a persistent challenge in aggregating parcels and maximizing long‑term value for beneficiaries. “That’s a pretty serious obligation,” he said, referring to the board’s fiduciary duty to trust beneficiaries.

Tarbot, a Utah State–educated attorney and retired adjutant general who described decades of work on public‑lands litigation, valuation and agency management, told senators he has experience working with counties, the legislature, trust beneficiaries and the executive branch. He said his experience overseeing large valuation cases and managing a portfolio and budget for the National Guard would help him evaluate risk and reward on trust‑land transactions.

Committee members raised questions about how SITLA balances “highest and best use” as monetary return with other community benefits. Senator Bridal suggested the board consider non‑monetary equities when evaluating parcels; Tarbot agreed those considerations exist and indicated accommodating them could require legislative direction.

Public comment strongly supported Tarbot. Tage Flint, longtime water manager and president of the Utah Defense Alliance, and Representative Val Peterson, among others, endorsed Tarbot’s leadership and public‑service record. Supporters highlighted his litigation experience, knowledge of federal‑state land issues and ability to work with multiple stakeholders to avoid litigation.

Senator Stratton moved that the committee recommend Tarbot favorably to the full Senate. The motion passed unanimously.

The committee noted the seat replaces Warren Peterson and that the nomination now moves to the full Senate for confirmation.