We all know Utah attempted an 18 million acre land takeover through the United States Supreme Court. Failed. Mike Lee and Celeste Maloy both proposed bill in the House and Senate to transfer public lands to the state. Failed. Utah began an over 2 million dollar ad campaign, taxpayer money, to convince Utahns federal land here will be better served in Utah hands, yet economists report one wildfire would deplete our economy.

Utah delegates have consistently voted to support the Trump administration’s push to mine near monuments, open pristine environmental ecosystems to roads for mining, build more roads to enable massive logging, and gut our national parks. All this when climate change is a daily reality, and the burning of fossil fuels is the biggest contributor.

Our forests and public lands sequester carbon, protect our watersheds, and provide species habitat, all things Utahns favor. Keeping coal and oil in the ground protects our air quality and guards against worsening drought. Regardless, in a closed-door deal, Utah and the Trump administration have created a shared framework with Utah, giving the state decision making control over 8 million acres of national forests. Expect more air pollution, unprotected waters, further decline of species, fewer trails, and a decrease in the 9. 4 Billion dollars Utah made in outdoor recreation in 2023. Speak out, speak up and protect the things we Utahns hold dear and that make our state one of a kind.

Patty Becnel

Ogden