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Utah lawmaker seeks resolution opposing possible national monuments in San Rafael Swell and Cedar Mesa
Summary
Representative Noelle opened a bill file for a concurrent resolution opposing Interior Department consideration of two potential national monuments (San Rafael Swell, Cedar Mesa), arguing the designations would lock up state trust lands and harm local resource uses; the motion to open the file passed under suspension of the rules.
Representative Greg Noelle asked the House for permission to open a bill file and described receiving an internal Department of Interior draft that contemplates designation of two national monuments in Utah: the San Rafael Swell and a Cedar Mesa area in San Juan County. Noelle said he was "shocked and outraged" and said a concurrent resolution would be filed with a Senate sponsor (Senator Hinkins) and he hopes for gubernatorial support.
Noelle warned that unilateral monument designations could "lock up additional trust lands, isolate and sterilize mineral resources, water resources, potentially grazing resources" and that such steps would negatively affect state revenue for higher education, public schools and health benefits. Several representatives from affected areas (including Representative Watkins) voiced support for opening the bill file. Noelle said the state had invested years and millions of taxpayer dollars in resource-management planning and that the administration’s move would circumvent those efforts.
The House granted permission under suspension of the rules to open a bill file for a concurrent resolution opposing the potential designations; sponsors indicated plans to draft a concurrent resolution to be considered by both chambers.
