Utah and Wyoming Sue BLM Over Conservation Rule

The states of Utah and Wyoming are suing to stop a federal conservation rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management, reports Dustin Bleizeffer in WyoFile.

“The two western states, which, combined, are home to more than 41 million BLM acres, filed the 34-page lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Utah. They’re asking the court to vacate the Conservation and Landscape Health rule, which was finalized in April.” The states allege that BLM ‘sidestepped’ federal statutes that allow for multiple uses on public lands through a “corrupted definition of conservation,” according to Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, who is leading the charge against the rule.

The rule was adopted as a response to intensifying disasters such as wildfires, drought, and invasive plants. The rule elevates conservation to the same level of importance as other uses. “Conservation groups, including the Lander-based Wyoming Outdoor Council, have hailed the conservation rule as a victory for landscape health that also supports rural economies by ensuring healthy wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation.”

Public opinion doesn’t appear to be on Gov. Gordon’s side. An analysis of public comments from the Center for Western Priorities found that “92% of the comments were either in support of the rule as proposed or in favor of making it stronger in terms of conservation.”