The state wants more local control of public lands not designated as national parks or monuments.
The Supreme Court struck down an effort by Utah to assert state control over federal public lands. According to an article by Anastasia Hufham in the Salt Lake Tribune, the Court declined to hear Utah’s challenge to the federal government’s jurisdiction over 18.5 million acres of “unappropriated” public lands. The state charged that the Bureau of Land Management’s control over these lands is unconstitutional.
State leaders expressed disappointment at the Court’s decision, saying BLM policies harm Utah residents “by restricting access to public lands, hindering active management, and reducing economic and recreation opportunities.”
The status of public land management is under question as the incoming Trump administration has signaled a desire to reopen public lands to extractive uses — or what Utah state leaders call ‘multiple use’ — and shift more decisionmaking power to states. Other states have challenged the BLM’s Public Lands Rule, which recently strengthened conservation measures.
FULL STORY: U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear Utah’s public lands challenge
More States Push Back on BLM’s Conservation Rule
Twelve states and industry groups are supporting Utah’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management, arguing the agency can’t bar extractive uses on ‘unappropriated’ public lands.
Grand Teton Foundation Races to Fundraise — or Lose Key Wildlife Corridor
Wyoming could sell a currently protected parcel of land, key to elk and other hoofed mammal migration paths, to private developers.
Utah and Wyoming Sue BLM Over Conservation Rule
The states allege the agency overstepped federal regulations in its attempt to boost conservation efforts on public lands.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.
Can Progressive Planners Appeal to Conservative Principles?
Trump’s approach to policies like NYC’s congestion pricing isn’t just irrational and wasteful — it defies the tenets of conservatism. But there are ways to reframe the issues.
Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
Join Oak Park, Illinois, for a series of Earth Month events highlighting the importance of community engagement and education, integrating sustainability into local plans, and planning for the most vulnerable, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Florida Atlantic University
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland