SCOTUS turns back Utah’s push to wrest control of public land from federal government

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday reversed an attempt by the state of Utah to wrest control of large swaths of public land from the federal government.

The Supreme Court refused to allow the Republican Party-controlled state file a lawsuit trying to bring the country and its resources under state control. The decision came in a short order in which the court did not explain its reasoning, as is customary.

In the western state known for rugged mountains popular with skiers and red rocks that draw crowds of tourists, federal agencies control nearly 70% of the land. Utah argues that local control would be more responsive and give the state access to revenue from taxes and development projects.

The complaint involved control of about half of federal lands, which still amounts to an area nearly as large as South Carolina. The plots are used for energy production, grazing, mining and recreation, among other things. The world-famous national parks and national monuments would have remained in federal hands.

While lawsuits typically begin in federal district courts and eventually make their way to the U.S. Supreme Court, disputes involving states can begin in the nation’s highest court, if the justices agree to hear them.

The federal Bureau of Land Management declined to comment.