Like most Western states, Utah’s land is disproportionately owned and controlled by the federal government.
Nearly 70% of Utah land is under federal control, with approximately half of that acreage classified as “unappropriated” lands without any designated purpose or plan for future use (this excludes national parks, national forests, national monuments, and similar designations). This results in economic disadvantages for Utah, the inability to make infrastructure and conservation decisions, and forced compliance with an out-of-touch federal bureaucracy.
However, this is not just a regional concern. It affects the principles of federalism and state sovereignty upon which our nation was built. That is why Utah has filed a lawsuit asking the U.S. Supreme Court to determine whether the federal government has the constitutional right to retain control over unappropriated lands within a state indefinitely, particularly when it goes against the state’s wishes.
Why should all Americans care about this? Utah’s situation might seem irrelevant to those on the East Coast, where state and local governments enjoy near-total control over their land. But the principles at stake — state sovereignty, economic equity, and responsible stewardship — affect everyone.
The economic disadvantages of Utah’s current arrangement are profound. Because these unappropriated lands are under federal control, they generate no property tax revenue, which is particularly detrimental in rural areas where local governments depend on property taxes to fund essential services, such as schools, roads, and public safety. Imagine trying to sustain a thriving economy when more than 90% of the land within your county’s border is untaxable and managed by a distant bureaucracy.
Moreover, this exacerbates the regional housing crisis and makes it harder for Utahns to buy a home and start families.
Utah is also restricted from using these lands to address critical needs such as maintaining infrastructure, preserving public land access, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Without control over these lands, the state is unable to make the necessary decisions that reflect the priorities of our communities and ensure the land is managed in a way that aligns with our values. Utahns know best how to preserve our natural wonders and enhance access for all.
The federal government leases these lands for activities such as mineral development, grazing, and timber sales. While some of the revenue is shared with the state, the majority funds the federal government’s priorities, which are far removed from the communities that are directly affected by this economic output. Utah sends roughly $225 million in royalty payments to the Bureau of Land Management every year, which could instead be spent to manage the lands under state stewardship.
The benefits of state management extend beyond economic fairness. Utah has a proven history of balancing use with conservation. We know how to manage our lands sustainably, ensuring that they remain beautiful and accessible for future generations.
Further, state law makes it unlikely that public land would be sold if Utah acquires these unappropriated lands. If given the chance, Utah could apply our balanced approach to these lands, setting an example of responsible, active land management that benefits both Utahns and the environment.
When the federal government operates within its constitutional boundaries, states can enjoy their individual liberties and operate with their residents’ best interests in mind. Everyone benefits when states are empowered to manage their resources responsibly.
Utah’s public lands should remain in public hands, but the primary task of management should belong to those who live here, who understand the land, and who are committed to preserving it for generations to come. They should do so with the support of our federal government, not the other way around.
I invite you to stand with Utah in this important fight, because when Utah wins, a better precedent is set, and the principles of state sovereignty are upheld.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM RESTORING AMERICA
Blake Moore is a U.S. representative for Utah. He serves as vice chair of the House Republican Conference and sits on the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees.