Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Exchange Admin topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BLM/Trust Lands updates: land exchange, carbon sequestration talks and administrative reorganization discussed
Summary
Federal and state land managers updated the council on a major land-exchange finalization, emerging carbon-sequestration proposals and possible federal regional reorganizations; county staff warned of permit and travel-management implications.
Local federal and trust-land officials updated the Emery County Public Lands Council on several land-management and administrative issues: the completion of a large land exchange, proposals for carbon‑sequestration injection wells, and possible federal regional reorganizations affecting local offices.
Staff reported that a land-exchange title opinion has been approved and that mapping and permit adjustments (for grazing AUMs, travel routes and other administrative items) will follow as parcels transfer between BLM and the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA). Officials said AUM totals will not be reduced but billing and permit paperwork will need adjustment.
Council members also heard that one or more companies are exploring Class VI (deep) injection permits for carbon sequestration in the region. Staff described Class VI as a lengthy, highly regulated permitting pathway that would include state primacy and EPA involvement before solution mining for CO2 or pore-space sequestration could proceed. Officials said proposals are at an early stage and that any activity likely remains years away.
A Forest Service representative and BLM staff further noted rumors of a federal reorganization that could consolidate regional BLM offices from nine to three, and several employees in local offices have accepted retirement or deferred-separation options as part of an uncertain reorganization.
Council members asked for notifications as mapping, permit adjustments and travel-management decisions associated with the land exchange are finalized. Staff said range permittees and affected stakeholders will be contacted about permit changes and billing adjustments.
