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House backs resolution supporting federal changes to Utah Navajo Trust Fund distributions
Summary
House passes SJR 5 (73–0) supporting the Utah Navajo Economic Development Act concept to transfer subsurface mineral rights on the Aneth extension and raise royalty rates from 37.5% to 62.5%, with sponsor saying increased revenues would aid housing and schools in San Juan County.
The House passed SJR 5 by voice/roll-call vote after Representative Noel explained the measure supports federal legislation (the Utah Navajo Economic Development Act) to transfer federal mineral rights on the Aneth extension of the Navajo Nation to the Utah Navajo Trust Fund and to raise the royalty rate on minerals from 37.5 percent to 62.5 percent.
Representative Noel urged support, saying the change would benefit the Utah Navajo population in San Juan County by increasing funds for housing, schools and other local needs. Noel described the area as among the poorest parts of the county with high unemployment and low economic yield, and framed the resolution as a way to boost local revenue through higher mineral royalties.
After the sponsor's presentation and waived summation, SJR 5 was read and passed with 73 yes votes and 0 no votes. The resolution was signed by the Speaker and returned to the Senate for the president's signature.
