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Utah House backs BLM resource-management plans, opposes delay of 77 leases
Summary
The Utah House passed House Concurrent Resolution 8 urging support for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) resource management plans and opposing recent actions that contest or delay the proposed sale of 77 oil and gas leases. Backers said the resolution will strengthen the state’s case as the governor meets with the Interior secretary.
The Utah House on Feb. 17 passed House Concurrent Resolution 8, a statement urging support for Bureau of Land Management resource management plans and opposing actions that contest or delay the planned sale of 77 oil-and-gas leases.
Representative John Mathis, the bill’s sponsor, said the resolution expresses "strong support for the process" used to develop BLM resource management plans over seven to eight years and asks the Department of the Interior to expedite review of the 77 parcels so lease offerings can move forward. "We as a body," Mathis said, "would like to have a resolution in [the governor’s] hands to support the efforts of trying getting those leases reversed."
The measure drew support from members who warned of potential revenue losses to the state's school trust. Representative Noel urged swift passage because the governor was scheduled to meet the Interior secretary and said the state lacks absolute figures on losses but that successful leasing can generate "millions and millions" of cubic feet of gas and significant royalties. Representative Noel also characterized the federal action as a breach, saying, "This is absolutely a breach of contract under federal law." Representative Draxler and others said the timing of the governor’s meeting made the resolution especially important.
The chamber opened voting and HCR8 passed 61-8. The resolution will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
Why it matters: lawmakers said delays to BLM resource plans could reduce royalties the state receives for school trust lands and other beneficiaries; the resolution is a formal expression of the House’s position ahead of executive-level discussions. There was no formal legal or regulatory change in Utah’s control of the parcels; the resolution is an expression of legislative support and was sent to the Senate.
What’s next: HCR8 will be transmitted to the Senate for consideration and, as a concurrent resolution, serves as a formal statement for the governor to carry to federal officials.
